Willie Edward Ferris

Willie Edward (Bill) Ferris, 74, of Montvale, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2006. He was a retired engineer with 30 years of service with the Norfolk and Southern Railway. He was a 32 degree mason, member of the Melrose Masonic Lodge # 139, a shriner at Kazem Temple and a member of the Moose Lodge # 1897. He was the first open heart surgery patient at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1982. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Ollie Ferris and a brother James Lee Ferris, Jr. He was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Surviving are his wife, Ruth T. Ferris; sons and daughters-in-law, James "Butch" and Peggy Ferris of Thaxton, Alan and Shirl Ferris of Blue Ridge, Jeffery Ferris of Richmond; daughters and sons-in-law, Rickie and Ronnie Carter of Thaxton, Regina and Gregory Agee of Vinton; six grandchildren; nine greatgrandchildren; sister-in-law, Jettie Ferris of Blue Ridge; also are a number of nieces and nephews. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Shrine Children's Hospital. Funeral services will be at Oakey's East Chapel, 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2006 with Dr. Philip Ayers officiating. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's East Chapel, Bonsack, 977-3909.