Gene Ferris

Gene Graham Ferris passed into heaven on March 22, 2023, at the age of 100 years, 4 months at Bower Hospice House in Beckley, WV.

Born on November 15, 1922, Gene was the son of John William Ferris and Florence Graham Ferris. He grew up in Princeton, WV. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, he served during World War II as a radioman in the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS), a branch of the U. S. Navy.  After his release from the Navy, Gene returned home where he attended Concord College

He was employed by Montgomery Ward when he was encouraged by his bride-to-be Bobbie Bonham Ferris to seek a better job!   Gene quickly complied and was hired by C & P Telephone Company where he had a 35 year career as a cable splicer and Central Office Tech at Beckley and Sophia.

Gene was a lifelong member of Crab Orchard Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and many other positions of service.  He was also a member of the Lions Club of Crab Orchard.

In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by sisters Edna Ferris and Dixie Graham, brothers Fred Ferris and Sam Ferris, and grandson  Chad Ferris.  He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Nora Bobbie Ferris, sons Greg Ferris of Vienna, WV, John Ferris and wife Sharon of Hagerstown, MD, and Jeff Ferris of Annapolis, MD, grandchildren Holly Jean Seitz, husband Eric, Lauren Ferris, and Lindsay Ferris, and great grandchildren Emma Seitz and Cash Ferris Reid.  Gene will be deeply missed by his family, and all who knew this humble, gentle man.

A celebration of life will be held at Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley on March 27, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor David Bush and Rev. Mike Sisson officiating.  Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, Inc., P. O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV,  25802-1472.  The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice and Bower House for their kind, loving care of our husband and father during these last weeks.