Wayne J. Farris

Wayne J. Farris, age 84, of Pineville Kentucky, loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Laurel Heights Nursing Home, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 18,1939, in Corbin, Kentucky, Wayne was the son of the late Emery Jewell Farris and Lillie Ruth (McCracken) Farris. Wayne shared 61 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Sue Farris, whom he met at Harlan Hospital while he was working as a young pharmacist, and Sue, as a registered nurse.

Wayne started his education at Pineville High School and later graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in 1957. He went on to get his Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy in 1961. Wayne worked as the Director of Pharmacy at Harlan Hospital and Pineville Community Hospital before he opened Farris Drugs in Pineville and Farris Pharmacy in Barbourville, KY.

Beyond his role as a Pharmacist, Wayne actively engaged in business ventures and dedicated over five decades to Republican politics. His unwavering commitment to the Republican party earned him a prestigious induction into the 5th district hall of fame. Wayne's community involvement extended further as he served as a Pineville City Councilman, was a member of Masonic Lodge "Bell Lodge 691," served as former President of the Pineville Rotary Club, chaired the South East KY. Community College Nominatory Board, served as board member on the Pineville Utility Commission, and contributed on the board of directors for the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.

Wayne lived a full life as a faithful Christian. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Pineville where he gave his time serving as a Sunday School teacher and a deacon for several decades. He loved spending his time with family, children, and grandchildren as well as spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. Wayne left the world and those around him better off with his wisdom, kindness, and love.

In addition to his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Gwendolyn Sue Farris and his sister Carolyn Farris.

Left to mourn Wayne’s memory and cherish his legacy are his three children, Greg Farris, Lisa (Barry) Bingham, Suzanne (Brad) Loutsenhizer; his grandchildren, William “Will” and Jackson Farris, Anna Katherine and Andrew Bingham, and Adam and Alexandra “Alexa” Loutsenhizer, nieces and nephews, Dann (Dawn) Adams, Cynthia Adams-Coombes (Dave), and their children, Spencer Adams, Chase Adams and Griffith Adams; as well as his extended family and cherished friends who will deeply miss him.

On behalf of the Farris Family, a special thank you to all of the nursing staff at Laurel Heights for the kindness, loving care and friendship given to our father.

The family of Wayne Farris will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Pineville, KY. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Ron Howard and Reverend Tim H. Mills presiding.

Serving as pallbearers are Robert Roan, Jacob Roan, Scott Madon, David Gambrell, Colby Slusher, and Dann Adams. Honorary pallbearers are Henry Howard, Jason Taylor, Andrew Bingham, Will Farris, Adam Loutsenhizer, Jackson Farris, Chase Adams, and Griffith Adams.

Graveside services will immediately follow the funeral service at Green Hills Memorial Gardens in Middlesboro, KY. 

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to First Baptist Church Food Pantry at P.O. Box 67, Pineville, Kentucky 40977. 

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Wayne J. Farris are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.