John Franklin Morris

LASKER, NC - John Franklin Morris, also known as Daddy, Granddaddy Green, and Granddaddy, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at his home.
Born on April 16, 1941 in Rich Square, NC to Frank Morris and Fannie Mamie Lassiter Morris, John was the 5th born of their six children.
He attended Rich Square School and proudly graduated from Rich Square High School in 1962. John was voted "Most Bashful" by his senior classmates.
While in school, John met Glenda Ivey and they fell in love. They married on February 5, 1964, made their home in Rich Square, and together they had Joyce and Johnathan.
John worked at Pope Motors and Mylecraft for a short time until 1967 when he became employed at Roanoke Electric (REA) as a Meter Reader. His career spanned 33 years, and he retired in 2000 as a Truck Driver/Operator. While at REA, John met many people and made lifelong friendships. He was especially close to "The Line Crew" on his truck, Paul Flythe, Robert Price, and Jimmy Liverman.
John loved the Lord and he was a lifetime member of Rich Square Baptist Church. He also served with the Rich Square Volunteer Fire Department and earned the title of "Retired Fireman".
John and Glenda shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. They loved to travel and they saw many sites throughout the United States. After retirement, John enjoyed morning gatherings with his friends (Jack Ricks, and David Lassiter) at Johnathan's shop. Nightly gatherings with friends (Evelyn & Linwood Bryant, Annette & Clifton Ricks, Danny & Kim Lafferty, and Sandra Kay Pope) occurred at any one of their favorite local restaurants. John especially enjoyed going down to Colington Harbor on the Outer Banks, spending time at the "Beach House" with family and friends and finding treasures at the many thrift stores there.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Tommy Morris; and his sisters; Mary Jenkins, Maggie Dunning, Dorothy Vick, and Betty Lou Phipps.
Left to carry on his legacy is his wife, Glenda Ivey Morris of the home. His daughter, Joyce Morris Sumner and husband Neal of Lasker, his son, Johnathan Edward Morris and wife Christie also of Lasker. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren; Crystal Sumner Mann and husband Matt of Conway, Michael Neal Sumner and special friend, Carolyn Outland of Lasker, and Johnathan Barrett Morris also of Lasker, his cherished great grandchild, Olive Renee' Mann, along with many nieces and nephews. The love for his family was boundless.
John lived a simple life. He found pleasure in chopping a garden, sweeping the shop floor, eating Chinese food, ice cream, and Hersey Kisses. Christmas time was his favorite time of the year. His love for everyone was evident by his beautiful smile, his kindness, his thoughtfulness, his generosity, his words, and his big hugs. John will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends.
The family extends a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their support during this difficult time.
Family will receive friends Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Garrett Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square, NC. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square, with officiating Paul Flythe, and Rev. John Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to Rich Square Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 958, Rich Square, NC 27869 or online by clicking here; or directly to Lasker Volunteer Fire Department, 112 West Church Street, Lasker, NC 27845 in John's memory or online by clicking here.
Online condolences can be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square, NC. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.