James "EJ" Eric Runyon, Jr.

James Eric “EJ” Runyon, Jr., 24, of Ben Creek, WV passed away on December 8^th, 2023.

He was born on September 1st, 1999, in Logan, WV to James Eric Runyon Sr. of Ben Creek, WV and Beth Lester (Bill) Prater of Newtown, WV. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Jerry Lee Lester. EJ loved the outdoors and cherished the time with his wife, Morgan, hunting, fishing, and going for ATV rides. If they weren’t out in the mountains or on a riverbank, you could find them sitting around a campfire. He was a talented dirt track racer and enjoyed doing mechanic and carpentry work, as well as gardening. He was a hard worker and a dependable friend that everyone knew they could count on. He had a heart of gold and his family meant everything to him especially his little brother, Austin.

EJ is survived by his loving wife, Morgan Crum Runyon of Ragland, WV; parents, James Eric Runyon, Sr. of Ben Creek, WV and Lenea Beth Lester (Bill) Prater of Newtown, WV; brother, Austin Runyon of Ben Creek, WV; sisters, Destiny Lester of Man, WV; Shania (Johnny) Hatfield of Newtown, WV; and Shayla Stanley of Wharncliffe, WV; grandparents, James and Priscilla Runyon of Ben Creek, WV, and Connie Browning of Gilbert, WV; nieces and nephews, Johnny Hatfield, Chancie Hatfield, Raelynn Hunt, and Kensley Hunt; his father and mother-in-law, Coby and Angie Crum of Ragland, WV; sister-in-law Desiree (Brandon) Sloan of Lando, WV.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm Friday, December 15^th, 2023, at Collins Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Rick Endicott officiating. Burial will follow at Duty Branch Cemetery in Ragland, WV. He will be carried to his final resting place by, Brandon Sloan, Cody Vermillion, Jeremiah Runyon, Isaac Runyon, and Johnny Hatfield. Honorary pallbearers will include Jerry Lester and Austin Runyon.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests making donations to the funeral home to help with the funeral costs. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Collins Funeral Home, Inc. of Switzer, WV.