Michael James Morrison, “Big Daddy”,75, of Smithers, West Virginia passed away on December 15, 2017 in his home.

He was born on December 13, 1942 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, a son of the late William T. and Dorothy Morrison.

He was a graduate of Parkersburg High School and was a two time football State Champion and a baseball State Champion. He and his father were the first father/son State Champions at Parkersburg High and he was an OVAC All-Star. He attended West Virginia Institute of Technology and became the President of Sig-Ep, was a four year member and co-captain of the football team, and was inducted to the WVIT Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.

It was at WVIT that he met the love of his life, Jeanette Mangano, at the age of 19. He began his teaching and coaching career in Cincinnati, Ohio before returning to the mountain state teaching and coaching multiple sports including wrestling at Cedar Grove High School and continued his love for teaching and coaching at Gauley Bridge High School. There he lead the Travellers to the State Championship football game in 1976. He became the Fayette County Athletic Director starting up the first Fayette County Shootout while also being President of the WV Physical Education and Health Association. He ended his teaching career at Valley High School. In 2013, he received WV Schools Athletic Coaches Association Retired Coach of the year.

Since his retirement he assisted in coaching Charleston Catholic High School softball for the last seven years and was the most devoted and loyal supporter of the Charleston Catholic High School basketball teams.

With God anything is possible and his faith was strong and his love for God was rich. He was a parishioner of Saint Anthony’s Shrine in Boomer, WV and a member of the Knights of Columbus Michael Jacobs Council 3232. He was a fourth degree member and served as Grand Knight for several years.

Survived by his loving wife, Jeanette Morrison of 53 years and four children Gina and husband Lenny Ware of Smithers; Patti and husband Kevin Corbett of Smithers; Matt Morrison and his wife Bobbi of Charleston; and Nikki and husband Chad Wiley of Charleston; eight grandchildren, Jared Ware, Talia Corbett, Garrett Ware, Olivia Corbett, Derek Wiley, Marcus Wiley, Reid Morrison, and Ella Morrison; two sisters, Maryann Paavilainen and husband Ken of Charlton Heights and Melissa Killingsworth and her late husband Larry of Florida; sister-in law, Nanette and husband Mike Martin; special cousin, Steve Tilson and wife Julie and daughters Melissa and Amy; nephews, Michael and Dominic Martin and the late Brandon Killingsworth; nieces Karey Paavilainen and daughter Sophia, Emily Killingsworth and son Nathan, Katie Dawson, and his loving dog Peanut.

He was the present day G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) and went out saying “HOORAH….. Laces Up.”

Celebration of his life will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2017 with Fr. Patrick McDonough officiating at Saint Anthony’s Shrine in Boomer. O'Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be sent at www.odellfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Charleston Catholic High School girls and boys high school basketball teams and the high school softball team. Please send donations in his name to: 1033 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV 25301.