“The State Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award” winner, Ike Morris, lives through service and love for his state of West Virginia.
Read on to learn more about this year’s award winner.
About Ike Morris, Founder of Waco Oil & Gas
Ike Morris, founder of Waco Oil & Gas, arrived in Glenville, West Virginia, in 1962 in the early years of the state’s natural gas and oil industry. All he bought was a broken down oil service rig and a beat-up pickup truck.
“When I came to West Virginia, it was a little rough getting started,” Morris said. Morris was so broke he had to borrow clothes and money from people that worked for him.
After facing several trials with the business, it flourished into a thriving oil and gas company that still operates today.
At one point, Waco Oil & Gas operated 3,500 wells. Even though the oil and gas industry has changed, Waco Oil & Gas operates 400 wells today, holding more than one million acres of oil and gas property over 40,000 acres of surface property. The business employs 50 to 60 area residents.
As Waco Oil & Gas continued to grow, so did his love for his community. Many call Morris one of West Virginia’s most generous philanthropists. Morris has paid it forward to his community that he loves.
Giving Back to the Community
Once he became successful, Morris said it was easy to give back.
“There were so many people giving to me,” he said.
Waco Center Arena
In 2011, the Morris family donated millions to Glenville State College, building Waco Center Arena, which seats 3,000. The arena is a 25-million-dollar facility that houses the college’s Land Resources department.
The Land’s Resources department includes new classrooms, labs, a library and new facility offices.
The Morris family also built the Sue Morris Sports Complex (named after his wife) in 2007, a state-of-the-art sports facility for Glenville softball and baseball teams. His support of community projects across West Virginia has changed the lives of thousands of residents.
At 80 years old, Morris isn’t ready to retire. “I enjoy what I’m doing,” Morris said.
Morris still lives in Glenville with his wife, Sue.
About The State Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award
The State Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award, founded in 2005, is in memory of Lorenelle White, former owner and publisher of The State Journal. The winners have had a positive impact on West Virginia, demonstrating leadership qualities in business, government, education and the communities they live in.
After receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Morris said, “I am so appreciative of this award.”
“I think it’s probably the most important thing in his life,” Sue said. “He certainly deserves it.”
Previous people recognized have been entrepreneurs, business owners and executives who have given West Virginians opportunities to work and live in West Virginia.
These jobs and the personal contributions to the community have given West Virginians quality in their lives and communities.
You can hear Ike’s story below: