Kennis Jerry Farley

Kennis Jerry Farley, 65, of Max Meadows, Va., departed this life, surrounded by his wife and family, shortly after dawn on Thursday, July 17, 2009, after a fearless and valiant battle against cancer. He was the eldest son of Tom B. Farley, of Delbarton, W.Va., and Ruby Mullins Crawford, of Verdunville, W.Va. Jerry was born June 28, 1944, in Delbarton, W.Va., where he resided for 26 years, becoming the proud parent of Tommy and Rose and father to Lawrence Wade, Danny, Toby, Sue, Buck, Rick, James, John and Norma Ann. Jerry developed a strong work ethic and a courageous spirit while working in the trucking industry and the West Virginia coal mines until a tragic mining accident befell him on February 17, 1967. Refusing to be downtrodden, Jerry beat the odds and recovered from life threatening injuries to live an active and enjoyable life surrounded by family and friends. He found success in the automotive service and repair industry, a passion he shared with his sons. Jerry spent many years in Columbus, Ohio, where he became involved with the Masons and Shriners, contributing much time and energy to the betterment of others. Jerry's kindheartedness and generosity touched many lives. At the age of 45, Jerry moved to southwest Virginia, married Dana and raised two beautiful children, Eric and Megan. Jerry was bold, outspoken and an honest man offering support and compassion to everyone. He never met a stranger and would always invite a person into his home and his heart. Jerry was truly one of a kind, fearlessly injecting humor into any situation. His infectious smile and good-natured character will be greatly missed.
Kennis Jerry Farley was preceded in death by his mother, Rubie Mullins Crawford; and grandson, Lance Farley. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Dana Dean Farley; his father, Tom B. Farley; children, Thomas K. and Tammy Farley, Donna "Rose" Farley Hamrick and Daniel Hamrick, Eric M. Dean, Megan E. and Charles Riddle, Lawrence Wade Nelson, Daniel G. "Danny" and Doris Meade, Arthur L. "Toby" and Charlotte Meade, Billy Jo "Sue" and Terry Baisden, Charles E. "Buck" and Shannon Meade, Ricky L. "Rick" and Shelia Meade, James D. and Susie Meade, John D. Meade, and Norma Ann and Timmy Deskins; grandchildren, the Rev. Jeremy Farley, Kendra Farley, Dustin Hamrick, Devin Hamrick, Charles Hamrick, Janet Hanshaw, Art Meade, Shaun Meade, Chad Baisden, Kerry Baisden, B.J. Meade, Keatley Meade, Garrett Meade, T.J. Deskins, and Jordan Deskins; eight great-grandchildren including Madelyn Grace Farley; sister, Illa Jean Duty; brothers, James T. "Jim Tom" Farley, James D. "Jim David" Farley, and Thomas B. "Benny" Farley Jr.
Funeral services will be held 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at at the Barnett Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jeremy Farley officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. There will also be a funeral service in Delbarton, W.Va., with interment to follow in Farley Family Cemetery in Delbarton (Elk Creek), W.Va. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Va., is in charge of local arrangements.