Big Stone Gap, VA – Charles “Charlie” Baxter Morris, 91, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2026.
Born at home on September 14, 1934, to the late Patton and June (Hamilton) Morris, Charlie lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He graduated from East Stone Gap High School in 1954, where he starred in both basketball and football. He briefly attended Bluefield College before serving his country in the United States Army for two years. After being honorably discharged, he began working for Piedmont Airlines where he retired after more than 40 years of service.
Charlie was married to his wife Sheila for 35 years. She preceded him in death in 2019.
He was a longtime member of East Stone Gap Baptist Church where he faithfully attended the early service each week. More importantly, he lived his faith each day in the kind, generous, and humble way he treated others.
An avid farmer, he enjoyed taking care of his cows, putting out a garden, making applebutter, and working in his flower beds. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Char”.
In addition to his wife, Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Pat Morris and Bill Morris; his sisters, Annis Burke and Sandy Dorton; his brother-in-law, Bill Burke; and his nephews, Ronnie Morris and John Morris Slagle.
Left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory are his sister, Connie Slagle (Johnny); brother-in-law, Ray Dorton; sister-in-law, Ruth Morris; step-daughter, Teresa Marshall (Donnie); step-grandchildren, Donnie Marshall and Daniel Marshall; step-great-grandchild, Caden Marshall; nieces, Paige Schoolcraft (John), Leslie Grigsby (Freddie) and Kellie Smith (Les); nephews, Patrick Dorton (Stacey) and John Wesley Slagle (Amy); several great nieces and nephews and their children; several cousins, including a special cousin, Nancy Cassell; and special friends, Bobbie Jean Cooper, Ruth Ann Price, and Keith Bevins.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at East Stone Gap Baptist Church with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a brief service immediately following.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 am at Glencoe Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the East Stone Gap Baptist Church Youth Group, PO Box 100, East Stone Gap, VA 24246.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Charlie Morris.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page. Jim