Charles Franklin Morton III Obituary

Charles Franklin “Frank” Morton III, a man who believed in living life to the fullest, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 16, 2025. Known to his friends as "Frank" and to his family as "Pops," he was 75 years old.

Born on April 16, 1950, in Richmond, Virginia, Frank was a proud graduate of Huguenot High School (1968), Virginia Tech (1972), and T.C. Williams School of Law (1976). He went on to establish the law firm Hairfield and Morton and became a prominent Richmond real estate attorney. Frank was a founding member of Bon Air Title Agency in 1980 and served as its chairman for many years. The company’s growth and success were his proudest professional achievement. He retired in 2020.

Frank’s life was defined by his integrity, work ethic and generosity. He was an endless resource and a rock to his colleagues, friends and family. Frank’s playful, spontaneous personality was as big as he was tall. As his wife says, he made life fun. He loved spending time on the golf course, cheering on the Hokies at Virginia Tech football games, watching his grandkids’ sporting events, and relaxing at the family's beloved river house in Lewisetta, Virginia. In his later years, he enjoyed spending the colder months in Florida.

Above all, Frank was deeply committed to his family and that is his greatest legacy. To his wife, he gave years of adventures. He taught his daughters to live life fully and with joy, to be leaders, and to always prioritize family. To his grandchildren, he was a true hero and the epitome of a storybook grandfather. From making animal pancakes to crafting elaborate Easter eggs hunts or sitting for Star Wars marathons, Pops went above and beyond to make the time with his grandkids memorable. He lived a life of unwavering dedication to his loved ones. The force was strong with this one.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Cole Morton and Charles Franklin Morton Jr. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and adoring wife of 54 years, Kay; his loving daughters, Jessica Morton (Andy Thompson), Jennifer Simpson (Brad), and Ashley Morton (Lance Rosenfield); his grandchildren, Brayden, Brooks, Sam, Ellie, and Levon; and his sister, Jerry Lee O’Neill and her family.

Frank spent too much time at VCU Health but encountered so many wonderful people who treated him with kindness and respect. His family will forever remember all of their thoughtful gestures, big and small.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held at Willow Oaks Country Club on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with remarks at 5:00 p.m. and a reception to follow. Casual attire is requested, as Frank avoided ties whenever possible.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MCV Foundation in support of the Massey Cancer Center at VCU Gifts & Records, Box 843042 Richmond, VA 23284, and the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc., Attention: Gift Accounting, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061.