Evelyn Ann Farris established this fund in memory of her brother, Elmer Farris, following his death in November 2006. A 1934 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Carnegie Mellon Institute University (formerly Institute), Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Farris was one of ten children born to Gus and Jamile Salem Farris. Mr. Farris was a charter member of the US Army 82nd Airborne Division where he served as a glider man. Afterwards he returned to Beckley where he was co-owner of Gus Farris Department Store, working until the closing of the business in 1991. At that time, the store was the oldest continually operating business in Beckley. He was a lifetime member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. This endowment provides much needed unrestricted income used to respond to requests in BAF’s annual community grant program.
