John "Big John" Charles Morris Sr.

NEW BERN | John Charles Morris, Sr., 77, of the Caton community, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday evening, March 7, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Known as “Big John” by family and friends, he was a faithful and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. As a devoted member of New Haven Church, John served as a deacon and leader of the youth. In the community, his passion for young people could be seen as he coached baseball, served as a Cub Scout leader and mentor to many. During his career, John worked with the N.C. Forestry Service, retiring after 29 years of service. He enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening and hunting, and was a founder and past president of the Caton Community Hunting Club. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the UNC Tarheels but his greatest love was for his church and family.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017 at New Haven Church with the Rev. Paul Jackson, Rev. David Cauley, and Rev. Jonathan Ipock officiating. Burial will follow at the Stilley Family Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy Ipock Morris; daughter, Penny Morris Williams and husband, David; son, John Charles Morris, Jr. and wife, Mandy; sisters, Linda Tascione, Jackie Graham, and Wanda Morris; brother, Perry Morris and wife, Claudia; grandchildren, Nathan Charles Williams, John Charles “Scoot” Morris, III, and Anna JoWyn Morris; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Floyd Morris and Minnie Knox Morris, as well as a sister, Genevieve Banks.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the youth program at New Haven Church, 2860 Aurora Road, Ernul, NC 28527. Friends may offer condolences through an online guestbook by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the family, friends, church and 3HC Hospice Care for their love and support over the past few years of John’s illness. His battle is over and his victory has been won.

Services entrusted to Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.