I. L. “Ike” Morris, a prominent West Virginia businessman, philanthropist, and devoted supporter of his community and the entire state of West Virginia , passed away on October 19, 2026, at the age of 88.
A man of extraordinary vision, determination, and generosity, Ike devoted more than six decades of his life to building businesses, creating opportunities, and improving the lives of others. His contributions to Glenville, Gilmer County, and the state of West Virginia have left an enduring legacy that will be felt for generations. Until his death, Morris continued to operate Waco Oil & Gas Co., Inc. the company he incorporated in 1975 which was at one time one of the largest independently owned oil and gas companies in West Virginia. His business interests also included a vast holding of land and minerals. At the time of his passing, the Morris entities employed over 160 people in central West Virginia.
Morris was born on November 21, 1937, in Henryetta, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents Irvin Leo and Agnes LaRue Morris, three siblings: Sally Bernstein, Betty Ramey and Bill Ramey, and one grandson Lucas Daniel DeMarino.
He is survived by his wife, Sue of 62 years, as well as two children, Douglas S. Morris of Glenville and Shelly (Greg) Smith of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Also surviving are grandchildren: Ian Lee (Savannah) Morris, Glenville; Jordan Leigh Morris, Glenville and Hannah Sue DeMarino, Mooresville, NC and great-grandchildren: Ariana Morris, Mia Morris, Maggie Morris and Marlee Morris who are all in Glenville as well as host of nieces and nephews.
Throughout his 64 years in West Virginia, Morris was a member of numerous organizations including the First Baptist Church of Glenville, Pete Dye Golf Club, Glenville Golf Club, Gilmer County Farm Bureau, Independent Oil & Gas Association (now WVONGA), and the Independent Petroleum Association of America. He served as a board member of United Bank, Alliance Petroleum, the West Virginia Oil & Gas Commission and served as past president of Glenville Golf Club.
He was recognized by many organizations, including being named the 1994 West Virginia Oil & Gas Man of the Year, 25th Annual Honorary Italian of the Year at the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, The Rotary Service Above Self award and was named as Gilmer Countian of the Year. He received the IOGA Recognition of Service Award 1973-1976 and 1986-1989, IPAA Award of Excellence 1992, American, Patron, Leadership & Benefactor Member of the Boy Scouts of America, 2016 Glenville State University Athletic Hall of Fame, 2018 State Journal Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022 Glenville State University Business Hall of Fame, 2023 Rusty Hutson Senior Heritage Award, and 2026 WV State Journal Business Hall of Fame award.
Morris and wife Sue have been presented with numerous proclamations and certificates of service from U.S. Senators and West Virginia Governors for their dedication and service in West Virginia. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Glenville State University in 2007.
While his business achievements were substantial, Ike will perhaps be remembered most for his remarkable generosity and his steadfast commitment to the community he proudly called home.
He created a private foundation, The Morris Foundation Inc., to create funding for the future. In addition to funding initiatives, this foundation operates the Sue Morris Sports Complex, which is a state-of-the-art softball and baseball complex.
Ike and Sue provided extraordinary support to Glenville State University, helping to strengthen its academic programs, athletic facilities, and educational opportunities. Their generosity played an instrumental role in the development and enhancement of the Waco Center, Morris Stadium, Morris Family Health and Wellness Center and numerous other university initiatives. Through their annual $500,000 challenge and commitment to scholarships and educational advancement, they helped open doors for countless students pursuing their dreams. In 2009, Morris donated the former Kinney Shoe Building to Glenville State University for the Criminal Justice Training Center and allows many Waco buildings to be used for sports practices.
Along with former Senator Robert C. Byrd, he was instrumental in the location of FCI-Gilmer; donating family land for it to be constructed in Gilmer County. The Duck Run Bridge was named for him in recognition of his service and dedication.
Ike believed deeply in the importance of education, economic opportunity, and community pride. He understood that the future of a small community depended upon people willing to invest their time, resources, and faith in its potential. His generosity extended beyond the university to local schools, as he also donated the land for the construction of two county elementary schools, numerous charitable organizations, community projects, and individuals in need. Many of his kindest acts were carried out quietly, without expectation of recognition or reward.
His passing represents a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Glenville community. However, his influence will remain visible in the institutions he strengthened, the businesses he established, the opportunities he created, and the lives he helped change.
Few individuals have had the opportunity to shape a community as profoundly as Ike Morris. Through his vision, generosity, and enduring commitment to the place he called home, he leaves behind far more than a record of professional success. He leaves a legacy of service, opportunity, and hope.
His life was exceptionally well lived, and his contributions will remain an enduring part of the history and future of Glenville, Gilmer County, and West Virginia. He was often heard saying, “I might not have been born in West Virginia, but I got here as fast as I could.”
Friends may attend a visitation at the GSU Waco Center, 921 Mineral Road, Glenville on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 12 noon to 8 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of I. L “Ike” Morris with arrangements.
