Ben Rankin Morris, Jr

Ben Rankin Morris, Jr., celebrated writer and restauranteur, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75.

Morris’s career began in sports journalism, where he made a mark as a sports writer for the Alexandria Gazette, notably covering the T.C. Williams High school football team, which later gained fame through its depiction in the 2000 film.

Transitioning from journalism to the culinary world, Morris opened beloved restaurants in South Carolina and Virginia. His Virginia establishment earned recognition in the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Wine Advocate, and several travel food books, reflecting his passion for bringing people together through food and good company.

He is remembered as a man of many talents, whose charitable heart and sharp wit left a lasting impact. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Martha Daniel Morris; his daughter, Claire Morris Talebian and her husband Bobby Talebian; cherished grandchildren, Ben and Sedi; one sister, Henriette Dargan Morris Willams, two brothers, Wade Hampton Morris and Frank Page Morris; and over twenty nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.