Larry C. Morris

Larry C Morris, 84, of 55 Walnut Lane Huntington, WV (formerly 2275 Spring Valley Drive) went to be with the Lord on Wednesday – August 7, 2024.  He was born on April 19th, 1940, in Portsmouth, VA to the late James Edward and Eloise Legg Morris.  Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his twin brother Garry Gideon Morris, sister-in-law Verlie Morris, infant brother James Edward Morris Jr., niece Sheila Ann Morris Pugh, father and mother-in-law Russell and Norma Tooley, and brother-in-law Robert Kelly Bias.  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years – Joyce Ann Tooley Morris, twin sons – Garry Edward Morris (Missy) of Russell, KY; Larry Karl Morris (Dreama) of Huntington, WV;  and daughter Samantha Ann Morris of Huntington, WV; grandchildren – Ryan Karl Morris of Lavalette, WV; McKenah Eliot Morris of Russell, KY; sister Jacqueline Carolyn Morris Bias of Milton, WV; brother and sister-in-law Russell and Evelyn Tooley of Proctorville, OH; nieces and nephews Jacqueline Kelly Daniels (Jeb) of Milton, WV; Leslie Dianne Riedel of Hurricane, WV;  Tracy Tooley (Wendy) of Frazier Bottom, WV; and Tate Tooley (Krista) of Proctorville, OH.  Special survivors are his beloved German Shepherds – Cooper, Tessa and Harrison.

Larry was a proud graduate of Buffalo (Wayne) High School – Class of 1958.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in December of the same year making it through Basic Training in Paris Island, SC.  He then graduated from Marine Security Guard School Class 5-60 at Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA and assigned to the American Embassy in Havana, Cuba. He served there until January 1961 when diplomatic relations were severed between Cuba and the US.  All Embassy staff were forced to evacuate the country.  At this time, he helped secure all of the staff and classified documents.  On January 4, 1961, then-Lance Cpl Larry C Morris, then-LCpl Mike East and then-LCpl Jim Tracy volunteered to lowered American Flag that flew over the Embassy on that day all of the staff evacuated the country.  Corporal Morris was then assigned to the American Consulate in Calcutta, India to finish his duty.

In August of 2015, retired Corporal Larry C Morris, retired Gunnery Sgt Mike East, and retired Gunnery Sgt Mike East and their spouses were invited by Secretary of State John Kerry to be flown back to Havana, Cuba in Air Force 2 to help raise old glory again 54 years later.

Larry was employed by C&O (Chessie System) later known as CSX as a Machinist for over 30 years at the Huntington Shops, and the Russell KY Round House.  He was proud member of the International Association of Machinist Local Lodge 104.

He was active in retirement.  He was a past Commander of the American Legion Post 16, Second Commander of the American Legion Post 93 in Kenova, WV (where he was also currently a member), member of VFW 1064, Marine Embassy Guard Association, Marine Corp League Hershel Woody Williams Detachment 340, the Military Order of Devel Dogs Minutemen #215 and BB's Car Club.

Larry was a matter-of-fact man.  He told his kids what they needed to hear instead of what they wanted to hear.  He taught his children valuable lessons in citizenship, responsibility, and accountability.  He loved his God, his country, his family and his German Shepherds.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 13th from 11 AM to 12 Noon, with a Funeral Service to follow at 12 Noon, both at Beard Mortuary, with Pastor Tracy Tooley officiating. Burial and Military Honors will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Please leave an online condolence for Larry's family at www.beardmortuary.com.