George L Farris

Saltville, VA

Mr. George L. Farris, 90, went to his heavenly home on December 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 19, 1935, in Saltville, Virginia, he was a lifelong resident who cherished his roots in the North Holston and McCready communities. He graduated from Rich Valley High School in 1952.

Mr. Farris accepted Christ at an early age and remained a devoted member of McCready Church throughout his life. He served faithfully as Sunday School superintendent and teacher, on the church board, and on numerous committees, always giving his time and talents to his church family.

A gifted scholar and educator, Mr. Farris earned his degree in Chemistry from Emory & Henry College in 1956 and later completed a master's degree in Education of Physics from the College of William and Mary. After a brief time working as a chemist in Hopewell, Virginia, he returned home to begin a long and impactful teaching career at Rich Valley High School and later Northwood High School. He taught Chemistry, Physics, and multiple mathematics courses, and for many years guided students through the school science fair, taking great pride in their achievements at regional competitions and the Virginia Academy of Science.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Farris poured himself into the school community. He coached volleyball, drove the activity bus for athletic teams and extracurricular groups, and took great joy filming the football games for the school. His dedication to students extended well beyond academics; he cared deeply about their growth, character, and experiences.

Mr. Farris retired after 33 years of full-time teaching but his love for education never faded. He continued to pour into education by teaching adult education classes, taught Chemistry at Marion High School, and tutored students, sharing his gift for teaching with anyone eager to learn. His patience, enthusiasm, and dedication made a lasting impact on generations of students.

In retirement, he lovingly cared for his mother until her passing and enjoyed traveling with his wife, seeing much of the United States and Europe. His greatest joy, however, was his family. He cherished helping raise his grandchildren, the loves of his life, and often said he prayed that God would allow him to see them graduate high school. God granted him far more. He lived to see two community college degrees, four undergraduate degrees, 2 master degrees, witnessed two weddings, and celebrated the birth of his great-grandson.

Mr. Farris was preceded in death by his parents, Garrett and Maude Surber Farris.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Peggy Allison Farris; daughters Julia Farris and Terry Seidel, all of Saltville; grandchildren William Seidel (Beth and step-grandson Troy) of Roxboro, NC, Tessa Seidel of Gainesville, FL, Madison Martinez (C.J.) of Belmont, NC, and Abigail Seidel (Johnathan) of Knoxville, TN; and one great-grandson, Jace Declan Martinez. He is also survived by his brother, Charles "Rudy" Farris, and wife Patsy of Hardy, VA with two nephews Giles Farris of Roanoke, VA and Gregory "Greg" Farris with wife Katlin of Aurora, CO. Along with two special caregivers, Teresa Morgan and Cindy Roberts, who lovingly cared for him in his final years.

A Celebration of life service will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Leonard Smith officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 5 until 7 p.m. prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Mount Rose Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gerard Murphy and Tracie Coe at Family Care of Chilhowie for their many years of compassionate care, as well as to the staff of the Progressive Care Unit at JMH and Caris Hospice for their kindness during his final week.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to McCready Church, P.O. Box 1093, Saltville, VA, or to the Weekday Religious Education RV Council of Churches, 4501 Valley Rd, Saltville, VA 24370- c/o Jerry Orr.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of George L. Farris.