Sammy B Ferris

Mr. Ferris was a long-time resident of Beckley and retired after 35 years of service with the Social Security Administration as Branch Manager. Prior to that, he worked with the Internal Revenue Service in McDowell County, where he met his wife of 62 years, Rachel DeMario Ferris, who preceded him in death in 2013. Also preceding him in death are his brother, Fred L. Ferris; sisters, Edna E. Ferris and Dixie Graham; and parents, John and Florence Ferris.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Ferris McPherson (Jeff) of Glen Allen, VA and stepdaughter, Diane Spresser of Harrisonburg, VA; a brother, Gene G. Ferris (Bobbie) of Crab Orchard, WV, and several nephews and nieces.

Mr. Ferris was born in Princeton, WV and served with the US Coast Guard in World War II in the battle of Okinawa, after which he was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. Upon returning stateside, he attended National Business College in Roanoke, VA, and earned his baccalaureate degree. After moving to Beckley in 1951, he became an active member of the community, most notably with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he was a chalice bearer, lay reader, and Junior Warden, and the Beckley Rotary Club, where he was awarded the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his service and contributions to the organization. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and reading historical biographies. He also traveled extensively with his wife, and with her, visited six of seven world continents.

A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 200 Virginia St, Beckley, WV 25801 on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 10 am with inurnment in the church’s columbarium following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Memorial Gift Fund.