Virgil L. Morris, 90, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, went to be with the Lord at 4:32 pm November 6, 2020, at his residence.
Following high school, Virgil enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the 340th Bomb Squadron, 97th Bomb Wing from 1948-1952. Virgil worked for many years as a sheet metal supervisor for Vernois, Incorporated.
The cornerstone of Virgil’s life was his faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. He was a member of Summersville Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, leader of Royal Ambassadors, and song leader. On January 29, 2017, Virgil was honored to have the title of Deacon Emeritus bestowed on him by the church.
Virgil was a member of the Mount Vernon American Legion Post #141. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching westerns, reading, and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at 11:00 am at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois with Reverend Don Verhines officiating. Members of the Mount Vernon American Legion Post #141 will conduct Full Military Honors at the Cemetery. Interment will follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Summersville Baptist Church for those unable to attend the graveside service. Memorials, in loving memory of Virgil, may be made to Summersville Baptist Church or to SSM Hospice. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
He was born January 27, 1930, in Jefferson County to the late Leslie S. and Maude (Scott) Morris.
Virgil first married Lucy Green and she preceded him in death in 1974. He married Mary Ann Bean in 1977. They were blessed with nearly 44 years of marriage.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Morris of Mount Vernon; son, Perry Morris of Urbana, Illinois; daughter, Jeanine Richardson and husband, Mike of Bluford, Illinois; and brother, Gary Morris and wife Gaila of Mount Vernon. He was “Grandpa” to Keisha McFarland and husband, Jason of Thompsonville, Illinois, Mikah Heltsley and husband, Jared of Oahu, Hawaii, and Julia Kuntz of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. He was “GGpa” to Olivia Heltsley, Mikayla McFarland, Hallie McFarland, and Ridge McFarland. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Lula Mae Morris of Mount Vernon, Betsy Way and husband, Ruel of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Linda McKinney and husband, Gary of East Peoria and brother-in-law, Ed Bean and wife, Beth of Saint Louis, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, former sisters-in-law, former brothers-in-law, and friends.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Virgil was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Morris; two daughters, Valerie Morris and Melinda Morris; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alfred “Mug” and Louise Bean; and former father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Reatha Green.
