Frank L. Faris

Frank L. Faris, former milk plant executive, died at his home in Harriman, TN on Monday, February 18, 2008 at the age of 96. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sue Faris, and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mayree and Clifton Burton and Essie and Chalmer Duncan. Mr. Faris is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Sallie Heacker Faris, two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Harold Absher of Knoxville, TN, Penny and Doug Kanney of Christiansburg, VA, five granddaughters and their husbands, ten great grandchildren, and a special friend and neighbor, Brenda Goins. Mr. Faris was a native of Unionville, TN, attended the University of Tennessee and worked at the UT Creamery and for TVA from 1929 until 1937, at which time he and his co-partner, R.G. Crossno, purchased Norris Creamery and produced milk and milk products until 1977. During his adult life, Mr. Faris served with distinction in numerous civic and community leadership capacities as follows: Harriman City Hospital Trustee and local Bank Director for more than 30 years; President of both the Harriman and Roane County Chambers of Commerce; Chairman of the Roane County Planning Commission; Roane County Park Commission; and Catoosa District for Boy Scouts of America, receiving the coveted Silver Beaver Award; and President of the Tennessee Dairy Products Association, being chosen for the association’s Distinguished Service Award. Regarding Lions International activities and programs, Mr. Faris was the last surviving charter member of the Harriman Lions Club formed in 1948, served as District 12-N Governor and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Foundation for rendering humanitarian service on behalf of others. Mr. Faris was a member of Harriman United Methodist Church for 68 years and was actively involved in a variety of local, district and conference endeavors (board, commissions and committees) and served as a regular and honorary member of the Board of Trustees for Hiwassee College for 34 years, by whom he was recognized with an Honorary Associate of Letters Degree, a Certificate of Merit, and United Methodist Higher Education’s Stanley Kresge Award for dedication and outstanding service in United Methodist related education. Since Mr. Faris donated his body for medical research, a Going-Home Memorial Service will be conducted for him by The Reverends Richard Tallent and Jim Douthat on Saturday, February 23, 2008 in the sanctuary of Harriman United Methodist Church. Family members and friends will be received at the church at 2:00 p.m., and the service will follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers for Mr. Faris, please make donations to Harriman UMC, P.O. Box 407, Harriman, TN 37748, or Hiwassee College, 225 Hiwassee College Drive, Madisonville, TN 37354. Obituary courtesy of Kyker Funeral Home, Harriman, TN.