Frederick A. Farris

Frederick A. Farris, age 68 of Beckley, died Friday, April 9, 2021 at Raleigh General Hospital after a long battle with diabetes.

Fred was born February 12, 1953 in Beckley, WV, the eldest child of the late Dr. Frederick and Evelyn June Farris. Fred was a 1971 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from West Virginia University in 1976. After a brief career in retail sales, he returned to Concord University (formerly Concord College) to complete teacher certification in Elementary Education. He completed a Masters degree in Speech Communication from West Virginia University.

Fred taught fifth grade at Lester Elementary School where he was named Teacher of the Year for the school before transferring to Independence Middle School to teach Sixth Grade during Raleigh County Schools’ inaugural year of the middle school concept. Fred retired from Raleigh County Schools in June 2018 after 35 years of service.

Fred loved collecting antique cars as well as model cars, reading, art, landscaping, cooking, and cats. He had collections of thousands of books and die cast model cars. He was a member of the West Virginia Education Association, serving in a variety of capacities for the organization at the local, state, and national levels; was a Friend of the Raleigh County Library and a member of the Whitewater Antique Automobile Club of America. He was a life-long member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brothers Felix (Lisa) Farris of Cumberland, Maryland and Michael Farris of Beckley, and his sister Dr. Emily (Dr. Richard, Sr.) Meadows of Beckley. He is also survived by nephew Dr. Richard (Destany) Meadows, Jr. and their son Austin of Beckley, and nieces Dr. Jennifer Meadows of Beckley, and Lindsay (Brandon) Butler and their children Grayson and Scarlet of Frostburg, Maryland, as well as a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 17 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Calfee Funeral Home, 800 South Oakwood Avenue, Beckley. A funeral liturgy will be April 17 at 12 noon at St. Francis de Sale Catholic Church, 614 South Oakwood Avenue, Beckley, with Very Rev. Paul J. Wharton, V.F. as celebrant. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Proper COVID 19 protocols will be in place.

The family would like to thank Raleigh General Hospital, the staff, and doctors for their kindness and gentle care shown to our brother.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charity of your choice.

To leave online condolences please visit www.calfeefh.com.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home of Beckley.