This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Farris, Plant, Bittle, Hancock, White Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GeV.2ACEB/2171 Message Board Post: Knoxville News-Sentinel Knoxville, TN May 23, 2006 Farris, Warren C. FARRIS, WARREN C. - age 85 of Fountain City, died Monday, May 22, 2006 at St. Mary's Medical Center. He was a member of Smithwood Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and Church Clerk and working with the youth for many years. At one time, he was a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Knoxville and a Director of one of the adult departments while there. He served in World War II as a Rifleman in Co. G, 143rd Inf. Regt., 36th Infantry Division, the first Division of American troops to land on Hitler's European Fortress. They liberated Rome one day before D-Day on June 5, 1944. Of the several awards he earned in combat, he considered the Combat Infantry Badge the best award. He was a member of Bright Hope Lodge #557 F&AM for more than 50 years, The Scottish Rite Bodies of Knoxville, The American Legion, The National Rifle Association, and AARP where he was an instructor for 55/Alive Mature Driving for six years. He was retired from Union Carbide ORNL after 32 years as a craft supe! rvisor. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 55 years, Anna Ruth Farris; parents, John Knox and Nelle Plant Farris; and brother, Paul K. Farris. He is survived by one sister, Edith F. Bittle; special friend, Trilby Goad; nephews, James R. Bittle, Robert Lee Hancock, and Warren Dudley Hancock, all of Knoxville; one niece, Marie White of Seymour. Mr. Farris requested that no flowers be sent because he wanted only the American Flag on the casket to enclose his earthly remains. Instead of flowers, he requested that donations be made to: The Scottish Rite Bodies, P.O. Box 708, Knoxville 37901, because, as Mr. Farris said, "They put shoes and socks on youngsters of East Tennessee, some of whom receive the only new pair they have ever had. Those kids need it." A funeral service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday in Stevens Chapel with Rev. Ralph M. Murray officiating. Family and friends will meet at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday at Sherwood Memorial Gardens for a 1:00 p.m. grav! eside service and interment. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Stevens Mortuary, Oglewood Avenue at N. Broadway. Mr. Farris' guest book is also available at: www.stevensmortuaryinc.com.