With profound sadness the family of Thomas Edward Morton, better Known as Tommy, age 85, announces his passing near the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 6, 2026, following a brief illness.  Tommy was born on April 22, 1941, in High Point, North Carolina to June Bryant and Mary Ellen Ward Morton.

Tommy was a familiar a face to Grayson County for the past 70 years.  While he often spent his childhood summers in Grayson County, his marriage to a Grayson County girl, Dorothy Nell Cassell on Jan. 1, 1958, made him a local.  Among his first jobs as a young boy was his work at the Independence Movie Theater with Mary Frances Morton Trexler.  Tommy proved to be a great contributing citizen to Grayson County creating many business entities that changed the future of the county.  As an entrepreneur he organized and created the East Bend Dragway in East Bend, NC, Elk Creek Drag Strip, The Discount Center and Granny's Kitchen, Esso Station (today's Exxon), Sunshine Florist, Grayson Land Co, Tri-County Realty in Galax, and Morton Realty and Auction Company in Independence.  With his wife, Nell by his side, he enjoyed many successful business endeavors.  Tommy was always respected by racers across the Southeast… just as he respected them. Both he and Nell were inducted into the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2025.  George and Cleo Butner change their life path with the direction and advice they offered to the young couple.  Freddie and Jessie Sutherland were great lifelong friends, and Freddie has been invaluable with his help with Tommy.   Also, friends were counted among hundreds of racing fans… many of those remained life-long friends including C. W. & Debra Parker.   Tommy also had those who helped him in so many ways for many years including Kevin & Debbie Madden, Jose Guererro, and Vera and Doug Brown.

Tommy demonstrated a tremendous work ethic which guided him throughout his life. He and Nell endeavored to instill this in each of their children.   He remembered his business successes, but his greatest pride was his family.   He was most proud of his children and grandchildren and delighted in celebrating their successes.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his sister, Sue Morton Browne.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nell Morton of the home; two daughters, Angie and Gary Burris of Baywood, VA and Marquetta and Todd Porth of Charleston, SC; two sons, Chris and Drema Morton of Independence, VA and Darin and Lisha Morton of Charlotte, NC; 7 grandchildren, Lindsey, Hailey, Genna, Irelyn , Justice, Grayson, and Macey; one great granddaughter, Millie; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Dwynn Greenfield, Dr. Charles Harris, Dr. Vanessa Fant, Grayson Rehab Center and the nursing staff, special friend, Sandra Wagoner, his niece and caregiver, Susan Harrington, and caregiver, Mary Sue Ward for the care and kindness shown to Tommy during his sickness.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Independence Rescue Squad PO BOX  607 Independence, VA 24348.   The Independence Rescue Squad was invaluable in their help over many years at Elk Creek Dragway.

Graveside services will be conducted on Friday afternoon at 1:30 PM at the Independence Cemetery with Darin Morton and David VanHoy officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Morton Family.