John Donal "Don" Farley

In loving memory of John Donal Farley, “Don”

John Donal Farley, a devoted resident of Sophia, WV, passed away on January 28, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on February 12, 1940, Don spent his entire life cherishing faith and family above all else.

Preceded in death by his parents, Leighton Caris Farley and Ethel May Farley, brother, Leighton Caris Farley Jr, and sister Phyllis May Hylton.

Those left to cherish his memory, his wife of 55 years Helen May Farley, daughters, Donna Mae Jesse and husband Matthew of Hinton WV and Tracie Ellen Wood and husband Bill of Sophia WV. Grandchildren, Leanna Murdock and husband Fonnice of Glen White WV, Marshall Wood and wife Baylee of Beckley WV, Braxton Wood of Sophia WV,  great grandchildren, Drayden Murdock of Glen White WV and Journee Wood of Beckley WV, brother Bill Farley from Tennessee, and a host of special brother and sisters in-law, nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

A proud graduate of Sophia High School in 1958, Don served in the Air Force before furthering his education, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education from WV Tech in 1965 and later achieving a Master’s Degree in Mine Safety Education from Marshall University in 1985. He worked for MSHA for the majority of his career, although he also served as a teacher, social worker, computer technician, and Census worker.

Don also had a great commitment to his community. He was an influential figure in Sophia, serving on the town council and playing a vital role as a founding member of the Sophia Volunteer Fire Department. His passion for youth development led him to become the Scout master of Troop 75 and a coach for Sophia Midget Football.

Retiring in 1994 from MSHA, Don continued to contribute to his community and his faith. As the President of the Sophia High School All Years Reunion, he fostered connections among former classmates. His Sundays were devoted to teaching at Crab Orchard Baptist Church, where he was a member, sharing his love for the Lord as a Sunday school teacher.

Since 1981, Don served various leadership roles in the Gideons International Beckley Camp, dedicating himself to spreading the gospel by distributing Bibles. He found joy in fishing, mowing grass, working outdoors, and, most importantly, watching his grandchildren excel in sports and other activities.

Don’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the community he enriched, and the faith he steadfastly shared. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and a true pillar of Sophia, WV.

In lieu of flowers please remember Don with a donation to Beckley Gideon Camp, PO Box 713, Beckley, WV   25802

Services will be 1 pm Thursday February 1, 2024 at Crab Orchard Baptist Church with Pastors Dewey Lowe and David Bush officiating.  Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 11 am to 1 pm. at the church.  Family will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.