Glenville businessman and philanthropist Ike Morris dies aged 88

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 19:31 · Archive

I.L. 'Ike' Morris, a prominent oil and gas businessman and philanthropist in Glenville, West Virginia, has died aged 88.

I.L. 'Ike' Morris, owner of Waco Oil & Gas Co., has died aged 88. According to his daughter Shelly Morris Smith, Morris died on Monday 19 October. Morris arrived in Glenville in the early 1960s and incorporated Waco in 1975. The company employed about 70 area residents, and Morris later expanded into coal, quarries, grocery stores, real estate and other ventures. He operated Waco Foods LLC, which owned multiple Foodland stores.

Morris was a significant philanthropist whose giving touched communities across West Virginia. His donations supported Glenville State University, youth athletics, scholarships and community programmes. The university's football stadium is now named after him. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Glenville and was named the 1994 West Virginia Oil & Gas Man of the Year and Gilmer Countian of the Year.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said Morris had made the state his home and few people did more to give back. State Treasurer Larry Pack said Morris 'embodied the Mountaineer Spirit' and taught him to 'never turn away someone in need'. Morris was married to Sue Morris and had two children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was named a 2026 inductee into the WVU Chambers College of Business and Economics Hall of Fame.

How it is being reported

• West Virginia business man I. L. “Ike” Morris passes awayBeing a local business man and philanthropist allowed Morris to give back to Glenville State University and Gilmer County communities through active support and financial donations.Wowktv · 19 Oct, 14:49
• Glenville businessman & philanthropist Ike Morris diesI.L. “Ike” Morris, a longtime Glenville oil and natural gas businessman and philanthropist whose giving touched communities across West Virginia, has died.WVVA · 19 Oct, 14:39

In this story: Ike Morris · Glenville · West Virginia · Waco Oil & Gas Co. · Glenville State University · Patrick Morrisey · Larry Pack

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