Joe Fariss

Buffalo Junction, VA - Samuel Joe Fariss, age 69, entered into his eternal rest on June 27, 2017 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.He was born on October 22, 1947 in Gladys, Virginia, to the late Sam and Mabel Fariss.He grew up on a tobacco farm and graduated from William Campbell High School in Naruna, Virginia. He received both a B.S. and M.S. degree in Agronomy from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Joe lived his adult life in Buffalo Junction, Virginia, working for 31 years with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. He enjoyed farming, hunting, living on the lake and singing to the residents at MeadowView Terrace. Joe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda Hash Fariss; one daughter, Dr. Heather Crouch and her husband, Gabe, of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia; a son-in-law, Stephen E. Hite of Nelson, Virginia, and four grandchildren, Alden Crouch, Samuel Hite, Noel Hite, and Ruby Hite. Also surviving are four sisters, Eunice Neighbors and her husband, Albert, Lucy Campbell and her husband, Don, Deane Fariss and Kaye Fariss as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Christie Fariss Hite and his brother, Floyd Fariss. Joe was an active member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church for 46 years where he served as a deacon, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.He was also a member of Sandy Fork Hunt Club. He was very active in the Lake Country Soil and Water Conservation Service and a member of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Pi, a National Honorary Extension Fraternity. He was a longtime supporter of the children at Patrick Henry Homes, serving both on the Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees. A celebration service of his life will be held at Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Buffalo Junction, Virginia, on June 30 at 4:00 PM. Reverend Joey Tucker will officiate the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, with visitation after in the church fellowship hall with an evening meal. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Gravel Hill Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 602, Clarksville, VA 23927; Patrick Henry Family Services, 860 Red Hill Road, Brookneal, VA 24528; or Mecklenburg County Lifesaving & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1539, Clarksville, VA 23927. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wclfh.comArrangements are by Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home.