Howard Van Morris

Howard Van Morris, 77, of Asheboro, went home to his Heavenly Father, May 31, 2021. He was born August 10, 1943, to S.H. and Gertha Langley Morris. He was married to his wife, Ellen Freeman Morris, who survives him for almost 59 years. He was a loving father to his son, Howard Kelly Morris (Tina), daughter Kimberly Vann Loflin (Bill), who survive him along with grandchildren, William, Steven, Cody, Dakota, Dalton, and Brittnee Vann El’ Hinkle (Doyle), and great grandchildren, Vanna and Vaeda, who brought him great joy in recent times. He is also survived by one brother, James and many nieces and nephews. His other siblings, Wade, Herbert, Ruby, O’Dell, John, Bertha and Doris preceded him in death. He was a diesel mechanic, having worked for Klopman/Burlington Industries, Harrelson Rubber, Wrights Grading and after semi-retirement, Select Homes. He attended Fayetteville Street Baptist Church. In his late teens, he and Ellen and “Miss Bessie” Rollins held a special Sunday School in the basement of “Miss Bessie’s” Rock Store (now Rock Store Cafe) in Central Falls for disadvantaged children, (most who had never heard about Jesus), to prepare them to attend churches in their community. Due to family circumstances, many of the twelve or so children had never sat down to a “family meal” so “Miss Bessie” prepared a hearty meal to be enjoyed as a group before Van and Ellen introduced them to the Bible and God’s Holy Word. All the children grew up to be fine citizens and at least one of the most disadvantaged children served years later as a Deacon in his church. Van was a great example of how one humble human can make the world a better place for all. Van’s father passed away unexpectedly when Van was just three years old and his baby sister just three months old, leaving their mother to raise nine children alone. From a young child helping neighbors in their field, delivering newspapers, being the popcorn maker at the nearby drive-in theater to leaving school early and taking a real job, he helped his mother keep them all together and out of orphanages. All nine grew into citizens that made their mother proud. As a young teen he was known as the roller-skating champion. The beloved Dr. Sykes was their father’s physician and friend, he provided health care free of charge until all nine children grew up to care for themselves. Van gained respect from all who knew him from his childhood to his passing due to his work ethic and caring heart. He considered all, regardless of their race, beliefs, or social status to be equally worthy of his love and respect. He helped numerous people throughout his life, always putting their interest and well-being before himself. One “hobby” was to give bicycles and tricycles to young children (whose parents couldn’t afford one for them) because he recalled having his first bicycle given to him and his brothers by a kind family. He made many, many children happy over the years. Van took great faith in knowing he would see his Heavenly Father and earthly parents face to face one day. He claimed the Bible verse John 3:16. If you are unsure of your salvation, he would challenge you to search out a minister. A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Randolph Memorial Park with James Perkins presiding. The family will receive friends at Ridge Funeral Home from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, his wish would have been for the money to be used to help others in need or donate to the charity of their choice.