Frank West Morrison

A Virginia Gentleman 

Frank West Morrison — husband, father, brother, grandfather, teacher, counselor, and peacemaker — passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved most. A lifelong resident of Lynchburg, Virginia, Frank’s life was a testament to compassion, intellect, and service — to his family, his students, his clients, and his community.

A Life Rooted in Virginia 

Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on November 28, 1944, Frank arrived into the world under remarkable circumstances. While his father was hospitalized at the University of Virginia, his mother went to visit him — and baby Frank decided to make an early entrance. Born prematurely and with an unusual heart condition, Frank was treated successfully by the UVA medical team using a newly developed medical intervention. His “big heart” became both a medical fact and a lifelong metaphor.

Frank grew up in Lynchburg, where his father, Robert Dabney Morrison, served as City Manager. Accompanying his father on visits across the city during times of segregation left a lasting impression on Frank about justice, empathy, and listening — values that would shape both his personal and professional life.

He attended Lynchburg public schools, playing basketball under Bob Bailey and Jimmy Bryant, and went on to attend Washington and Lee University, graduating magna cum laude in 1967. He captained the varsity basketball team his senior year, later serving as a graduate assistant coach while attending Washington and Lee School of Law, where he graduated in 1970.

A Distinguished Career in Family Law 

Frank began his career in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) from 1971 to 1974 before returning to Lynchburg to join the practice of William Rosenberger. Over the next five decades, he became a pillar of Virginia’s family law community through his work with firms including Bell, Coward, Morrison & Spies; Phillips, Morrison, Johnson & Ferrell; and One World Legacy & Estate Planning, LLC.

Throughout his 55-year legal career, Frank remained steadfast in his belief that attorneys are counselors first and litigators second, and that court should be the last resort — not the first. He often said, “I am most proud of the fact that I can settle approximately 85 percent of my cases, often in a creative manner that best meets my clients’ goals.”

A pioneer in mediation and collaborative law, Frank helped countless families navigate conflict with dignity and compassion. He was a founding member of the Collaborative Practice Training Institute (CPTI) and created and conducted numerous mediation trainings certified by the Virginia Supreme Court.

When offered a judgeship, Frank declined, saying that his mission was to help clients find better lives — a mission he fulfilled every day.

Frank’s excellence was widely recognized. He received the Founder ADR in Virginia Award (2004), the Gardner G. DeMallie Jr. Continuing Legal Education Award (2005), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section (2006). His peers regularly honored him in Virginia Super Lawyers, Virginia Legal Elite, and The Best Lawyers in America. He also served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar and Chair of the Domestic Relations Council of the Virginia Bar Association.

A Beloved Teacher and Mentor 

For more than 20 years, Frank shared his wisdom and philosophy with future generations as an adjunct professor at Washington and Lee University School of Law, teaching negotiation, mediation, advanced negotiation, and collaborative practice. His classes were not just about the law — they were about humanity.

Frank often began his courses by telling a story from his early career — about the day a client told him, “You are not listening to me.”

“As he began to share his story, I realized I wasn't fully listening. My mind was elsewhere, and I was distracted by the papers on my desk. Suddenly, he paused and said, ‘You are not listening to me.’ He was right. I wasn't. He repeated his story. He was mentally and emotionally challenged, living in a halfway house. He had a knife, a cherished gift from his late grandfather, which had become a point of conflict. The police were involved, and he was torn about what to do with the knife. This time, I listened intently, showing him through my body language and expressions that I cared. When he finished, he thanked me for listening and handed me the knife to give to the police. He left, grateful for being heard. This experience taught me the profound impact of truly listening. It was a pivotal moment that led me to focus on mediation and collaborative law, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution.”

A Man of Faith and Service 

Frank’s generosity extended far beyond his profession. He served his community through leadership roles with organizations including Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow), Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, Daily Bread, Family Services of Central Virginia, Community Action, Legal Aid, and many others. He was a loyal member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he served faithfully and humbly as a man of quiet faith, and was a regular participant at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was also a longtime member of the Lynchburg Camp on Cowpasture River, reflecting his love of nature, community, and family gatherings.

Passions and Joys 

Frank’s heart — the same one that once seemed too large for his chest — had boundless room for the people and passions he loved.

He adored his family, his students, and his friends, and he filled his life with joy through his many interests:

• -University of Virginia sports
• -Cleveland Guardians baseball
• -Washington Commanders football
• -Opera on the James
• -Fine wine
• -Chocolate milkshakes
• -Travel with family and friends — together, he and his beloved wife Gail explored 28 countries around the world.

Frank’s recent years brought health challenges, including a courageous battle with stage four cancer. Yet even as his illness interrupted his law practice and teaching, his gratitude never wavered. In September 2025, he was honored at Oakwood Country Club by family, friends, colleagues, and former students — a gathering that celebrated not only his career, but his kindness, humor, and humanity.

Family Above All 

Frank is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 42 years, Gail Johnson Morrison; his daughter Brooks Morrison; his son John Morrison (Amy); and his granddaughter Kasey Morrison.

He is also survived by his stepchildren: Katherine Hamilton (David), John Heil (Katrina), Henry Heil (Kerrin), Lucy Homiller (Will). Step grandchildren: Alison Edwards (Evan), Ian Mayo (Lissa), Henry Hamilton, James Hamilton, Andy Heil, Ella Bishop-Heil, Maggie Heil, Claire Heil, Jack Heil, Frances Homiller, George Homiller, Logan Franzelas and Lacee Franzelas, and step-great-grandson, Leon Edwards.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Dabney Morrison and Margaret West Morrison, and survived by his brothers, Robert Dabney Morrison, Jr. (Julie) and Norwood Orrick Morrison (Susan) and their families.

To his family, Frank was the embodiment of steadiness and grace — a man whose counsel, warmth, and laughter will forever echo in their lives.

A Legacy of Listening 

Frank’s story — from the boy born with a heart too big for his chest, to the man who listened his way through life’s most difficult conversations — reminds us all of the quiet power of empathy.

He leaves behind a world made better by his example: integrity in law, devotion in teaching, and love of family.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11 a.m. at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, or Washington and Lee School of Law.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.