To write an obituary for Robert, just cannot take a standard form, because Robert was anything but standard. He could be strong and tough, yet soft and sensitive at the same time. Robert will be remembered for both his complexity and his simplicity. He was a romantic and a man of great practicality; a gardener and a poet; one to tease and play, and one to sit in watchful silence. While we were never quite sure which Robert would show up, it was always the one who was needed. He gave of himself relentlessly, yet remained reserved and deeply private, always keeping a part of himself just for his beloved wife and family. 

Robert Earl Morris, Jr. was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on March 11, 1958, to the late Robert and Margaret Morris. As the child of an Army colonel, he lived in Ethiopia, Germany, and many places throughout the United States, experiences that helped shape his broad compassion and understanding of people from all walks of life. He graduated from Westside High School in Augusta, Georgia, joined the United States Navy, and returned to Augusta where he built a career in sales and raised his family with his former wife, Anne. He later graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion. After courageously battling brain cancer for a year, Robert passed away on May 10, 2026. 

Since his passing, a steady stream of friends have shared “Robert stories,” each one another facet of a life that gleamed like a diamond still half-hewn. He was a man of bold faith, and in whatever he did, he shared the Gospel in thought, word, and deed. He stood firmly for justice and willingly went out on a limb to fight for those who had no voice. 

For Robert, justice meant making sure those without a home had a place to live. He helped provide housing for college students through The Canterbury House Episcopal Campus Ministry and later through The Shelter in Radford. He visited homeless camps in the area to talk with people and provide what help he could. Justice meant making sure the hungry were fed, so he started a food bank at Old Brick Presbyterian Church that has fed thousands and supported other food banks in the area. Justice also meant speaking out against racism and gun violence, especially violence against children. 

After many years of God’s persistent calling, Robert finally answered the call to ordained ministry. As Pastor of Old Brick Presbyterian Church in Radford, he helped lead the church to become a true center for the mission of Jesus in the community and the world. He led a mission trip to Belize and raised money to establish a lunch program for a local school there. Robert lived his faith boldly, truly believing that through Christ, nothing is impossible. 

Robert was also a gifted teacher and coach. He coached Harlem High School and Augusta Prep in Augusta, Georgia, and at Radford High School in Virginia, ultimately leading the Radford’s volleyball team to a Virginia State Championship in 2015. That same year, he was honored as Virginia Coach of the Year. 

Most of all, Robert loved his family. His sons, Brandon (d. 2018) and Matthew, owned his heart from the day they were born. The three of them possessed what they called the “Morris Charm.” He was overjoyed when his son, Matthew, married his beautiful wife, Savannah. He treasured his four grandchildren: Hallie and Haven Morris Trammel of Greenville, South Carolina, and Micheal and Avila Morris of Boca Raton, Florida. His one wish was that they lived closer. 

The love of his life was Sarah, whom God brought into his life. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith, compassion, and service to others. They celebrated 21 years of marriage on May 7, and throughout those years Sarah was not only his partner, but also his greatest source of strength, peace, and joy. She was truly the light of his life. Together, they opened their hearts and their home to countless people in need, sharing God’s love through acts of kindness, hospitality, prayer, and unwavering care. Whether someone needed a meal, a place to stay, a listening ear, or simply to know they mattered, Robert and Sarah responded with generosity and grace. Their ministry was never confined to the walls of the church; it was lived daily in the way they loved and cared for others together. Many who came to them burdened or broken left feeling seen, valued, and loved. 

If you wish to share a gift of remembrance, donations may be made to Old Brick Presbyterian Church to continue its mission to serve the hungry and needy, or to the American Cancer Society to support efforts to find treatments for brain cancer. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Radford on 4th Street. 

Robert’s special gift was pastoral care that was real, honest, and full of compassion. It often began with an invitation to the family farm, “Carper Ledge,” to sit together and talk in one of the many flower gardens he created. In that spirit, the family invites everyone to join them following the service at Carper Ledge for his interment beside his beloved dog, Maggie, followed by food, fellowship, music, and conversation.

The Morris family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.