BAF Announces New Bequest in Memory of Frederick A. Farris

The unrestricted “Frederick A. Farris Memorial Fund” was created upon the death of Mr. Farris. Thanks to the flexibility of these endowed funds, this endowment will help BAF respond to the emerging needs of our community. Gifts received today will support our community in ways we can only imagine in the future. 

“Fred was proud to be a long-time Raleigh County Educator. Opportunity and fair representation for everyone supported his positive approach towards a better life experience. His desire to establish an unrestricted fund indicates his confidence in BAF’s ability to make life better for his community.”
​— Michael Farris 

Frederick A. Farris was born February 12, 1953, in Beckley, WV. He was the eldest child of the late Dr. Frederick and Evelyn June Farris. Fred was a 1971 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and he received his bachelor's degree in Journalism from WVU in 1976. After a brief career in retail sales, he returned to Concord University (formerly Concord College) to complete a teacher certification in Elementary Education. He completed a Master's degree in Speech Communication from WVU. 
 
Fred taught fifth grade at Lester Elementary School where he was named Teacher of the Year for the school before transferring to Independence Middle School to teach Sixth Grade during Raleigh County Schools’ inaugural year of the middle school concept. Fred retired from Raleigh County Schools in June 2018, after 35 years of service. 
 
Fred loved collecting antique cars as well as model cars, reading, art, landscaping, cooking, and cats. He had collections of thousands of books and die cast model cars. He was a member of the WV Education Association, serving in a variety of capacities for the organization at the local, state, and national levels; was a Friend of the Raleigh County Library and a member of the Whitewater Antique Automobile Club of America. He was a life-long member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Fred died April 9, 2021, after a prolonged battle with diabetes. 
 
Leaving a bequest can have a significant impact over time and make a difference to an organization or your local community. Some people think they must choose between leaving a gift to their family or their favorite nonprofit organization. You can do both, and some charitable gifts may save your family money by decreasing inheritance taxes. A simple gift provision in your Will can make a difference in many lives. 
 
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Frederick Farris” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting an unrestricted fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].