Virgil Ferris

Virgil Lynn Ferris passed away Friday, May 16, 2014 in Hopkins County Memorial Hospital from double pneumonia. He had a major fall in October 2013 and also recently had a stroke. He had been in The Birchwood Nursing Home and Rehab in Cooper.

Most people will remember his as previously living in the Emberson/Sumner Texas area just Northwest of Paris, Texas for most of his life and then moving to Cooper, Texas when he remarried and retired.

He was born in Bastrop, Texas to Velma and Merril Ferris.

Virgil was a very exceptional accomplished man. He was a veteran having served in the United States Navy as a gunner. He also had his private pilot's license. He worked all his life as a carpenter and most of that as a contractor. He built several banks, commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels and residences in California, Dallas, New Orleans, New York, North Carolina, etc. He also built houses in Paris on a grant program for low income families.

He was a devoted husband, and a dear friend to many. His mission in life seemed to be to help or give to as many people as possible. Whether you were family, extended family, or the next door neighbor who needed help or needed to borrow something, you benefitted from Virgil's generous nature. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Merril Ferris of Junction, one son, Lynn Ferris, three sisters, Iva, Lois and Reba and one brother-in-law, Bill Sloan of Cooper.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Sloane-Ferris of Cooper, on son Gary Ferris and wife Debbie of Dallas, two sister-in-laws, Kathie Sloan Conley and husband Steve of Cooper, and Karen Ishmel Sloane of Cooper, one brother-in-law, Roddy Sloan and wife Beverly of Cumby, numerous grand children, nieces and nephews, lots of extended family and friends and several caretakers that took care of him while he was in The Birchwood Nursing Home.

Sunday, May 25, visitation is scheduled for 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Three Rusty Nails Church in Cooper with a Memorial Service at 3:00 immediately following the visitation. No burial and no graveside services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Three Rusty Nails church in his name.