Virgil Lee Morrow

Rev. Virgil Lee Morrow, 80, of Harris Drive, Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Rutherford County, on November 13, 1926, he was the son of the late Grover and Katie Gordon Morrow. In addition to his parents, Virgil was preceded in death by two sons, Steve Morrow and Jack Morrow. Rev. Morrow was a member of Southside Baptist Church where he was pastor for 23 years. His first church was Piney Knob Baptist Church in Rutherford County. He pastored many churches in western North Carolina. Virgil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and very devoted to his congregations. He grew up in and was ordained at Gray’s Creek Baptist Church in Rutherfordton.

Rev. Morrow is survived by his wife, Bessie Shehan Morrow of the home; a son, Rick Morrow and wife, Sarah, of Morganton; daughters, Debbie Taylor and husband, Cobb, of Morganton and Linda Womack of Forest City; brothers, Billy and Dazel Morrow, both of Rutherfordton; a sister, Mozelle Barner of Rutherfordton; six grandchildren, Mel Rhoney, Steven Morrow, Kelly Martin and husband, Steven, Chad Morrow and wife, Staci, Megan Womack, and Nikki Gibbs and husband, Alan; and great-grandchildren, James and Steven Gibbs.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Gray’s Creek Baptist Church in Rutherfordton with Rev. Dean Lavender officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and on Thursday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. in the Gray’s Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall. Mr. Morrow will lie in state in the church during the visitation. On Wednesday the family will be at the residence of the daughter, Debbie Taylor, 136 Normandy Drive, Morganton. On Thursday the family will be at the residence of the other daughter, Linda Womack, 399 Holly Hills Drive, Forest City. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.