John Charles Morefield

Glade Spring, VA Mr. John Charles Morefield, age 82, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 21, 2014 in the Bristol Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. John was a native of Washington County, Virginia and was known for his laid back personality and his keen sense of humor. He and his wife were both cat lovers. During his working years, he was with both Appalachian Power and VDOT. He was proud to tell folks that he was an engineer when the Interstate came through our area. John was an active member of the Glade Spring Baptist Church. There, he served as choir director and deacon and was also a children’s Sunday School teacher. Additionally, he served on many church committees. Outside of work and church, John had a passion for bluegrass music. He was accomplished at playing banjo, fiddle, mandolin, dobro and guitar, and he had a rich bass voice. He played in a local band called SouthFork, who entertained at company picnics and local gatherings. John was also a member of a wonderful local gospel group The Smith Family Singers with his good friends Gene and Nancy Smith and their talented family. John was also an accomplished artist. Many of his paintings were displayed at the Virginia Highlands Festival. John was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Corps of Engineers. Additionally, he served in France, where his musical talents were used to entertain the troops in Europe. John Charles Morefield was pre-deceased by his wife Dolores Wright Morefield; parents Joseph Clinton and Nora Gentry Morefield; brothers Jessie Walter and Robert Guy Morefield; and sisters Stella Victoria, Ella Lenora, Edith Mae, and Bessie Vee Morefield. Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Parker and husband Randy of Blountville, TN; son John Randall Morefield and wife Alice of Chapin, SC; and several nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held for Mr. John Charles Morefield on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Baptist Cemetery in Glade Spring, VA with Rev. Dennis Blazier officiating. Gil Braswell will be performing “Beulah Land” and “Keep On the Sunny Side." A celebration of his life will be held 2-4 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2014, at the Glade Spring Baptist Church Family Life Center. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and photographs of John. Local musicians are welcome to share a song in honor of Mr. Morefield. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the C.C. Porter Animal Shelter, 27252 Porter Lane, Abingdon, VA 24211. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at the Bristol Regional Medical Center and the residents and staff of Grand Court Assisted Living, where John had been living since May 2014, for the love and concern that was shown to John. They also wish to thank Richard Clayton and Barbara Mullins for their special assistance at a difficult time. Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Mr. John Charles Morefield is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).