“In my life I’ve loved them all.” Richard Myles Morris (December 23, 1958 - November 22, 2023) could always pick the perfect song and sing along to any situation. Whether it be “Here Comes the Sun” when the sun rose to start the day, or “Shame on the Moon” when he and his wife looked out the window to see the moon illuminating the sky. He would pick up his guitar and entertain those nearby embellishing the moment with his musical talent.
Rich also enhanced many of our lives who were lucky to experience his gentle kindness, his contagious laugh, and the best hugs. He was husband to Staci Morris; father to Angela Ballou (Jeff) and Danielle Castaldo; devoted Poppy to Rylan, Connor, and Tanner Ballou; son to Pete and Elaine Morris; brother to Scott and Johnny Morris; and beloved nephew, cousin, and uncle. Rich highly valued his brotherhood with life-long friends.
He was an avid enthusiast of the annual Montpelier Horse Races; playing ping pong and pool in his basement; rooting for UVA sports and agonizing over the Redskins; and most of all, playing the guitar and listening to good music like The Beatles, Eagles, and John Prine. Rich was fortunate to work for decades alongside his father at Morris Tire Service in Charlottesville, VA. Rich retired and then was able to spend more time with his adored dog, Fred D. His compassion for animals extended to birds who were known to sit peacefully in the cup of his hands, a baby deer looking for his mother, and even a snake, whom he spent hours cutting free from netting.
Rich, if we could choose lyrics fitting of how you made each moment special and each person loved, we would sing: “All these places had their moments with lovers and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living. In my life I’ve loved them all…Though I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them in my life. I love you more” (“In My Life,” The Beatles).

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