Howard Sherrill Farris

Farris Howard Sherrill Farris, 78, died on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, in Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie. He was born in Smyth County to the late Charles and Zelphia Styke Petty Farris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, C.W. Farris, and his half-siblings, Thelma Petty Farris, Mary Petty Snyder, Lou Petty Ernest, Pauline Sturgill, and Gaylord Petty. He was self-employed as an auto mechanic and had attended Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He was an avid hunter and skilled gunsmith. Survivors include his children, Rick Farris and wife, Sheila, Connie Werman and husband, Garry, and Patty Leatherman and husband, Brian; his grandchildren, Brandon Farris, Justin Farris, Shane Farris, Derek Farris, Amy Michelle Ball, Chasity Lynn Ball, Christina Leatherman, Brian Leatherman Jr., and Maria Leatherman; six great-grandchildren; and special friends, Bradley Gwyn, Jim Wagoner, John Meek, Dick Powers, Chase Doane, Tammy and Don Barker, and Bill Hash. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, at Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with the Rev. Mark Totten officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Marion. The family received friends Sunday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Howard Farris Memorial Fund, PO Box 250, Chilhowie, VA 24319. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com Bradley's Funeral Home of Marion was in charge of arrangements.