Willard H. Farris

Coach Willard H. Farris

Willard Howard Farris passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2023 at the age of 75.

He was born on June 1st, 1948 in Harlan, Kentucky to the late Raymond H. Farris and June Huddleston Farris. He grew up in Williamsburg, Kentucky and earned a teaching degree from Cumberland College. He went on to earn his Masters Degree and Rank 1 and 2 certifications.

Coach Farris taught school for 40 years from 1970 to 2010. He came to the Corbin school system in 1974. Most remember him as an assistant coach on the boys varsity football teams who won 3 state championship titles and 2 Runner Up titles. From 1974 through 1985, he was the head coach of the Lady Redhounds basketball team and recorded 252 wins and 86 losses. He was a 4 time SEKC Coach of the Year. Coach Farris coached and coordinated the middle school boys basketball program for many years. He was assistant boys baseball coach from 1990 to 2002. In 1983, Coach Farris was the founder of the Corbin Girl's Softball program that he actually coached without pay to invest the money into the team.

Coach Farris' life was spent teaching, inspiring, and encouraging his student athletes to be the best that they can be. He spent countless hours on the field or in the gym pushing them to be better players and better people. He leaves behind a legacy of students who went on to be successful in college and in life.

Coach Farris was preceded in death by his parents and two very special family members: the late Kathleen Richardson (Aunt Katty), and his paternal grandmother, Ella Mae Kelley.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Ann Farris; son, Kelley Farris and wife, Amy Farris; and daughter, Shawn Farris Taylor and husband, Jim Taylor. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Farris Croley and husband George Croley. He is survived by 5 grandchildren: Bradey Farris, Mattie Ann Farris, Noah Taylor, Katty Ann Taylor, and Will Taylor.

Visitation for Willard will be held at Corbin Middle School on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 3-5 p.m.

Funeral Service will follow at 5 p.m. with Dr. Travis Freeman officiating.

A private graveside service will follow with Terry Joe Martin, Fred Anderson, Julio Cima, Coach Steve Jewell, Bradey Farris, Noah Taylor, and Will Taylor serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is Tim Moore.

Arrangements by Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where messages may be written to the family at vankirk-grisellfuneralhome.com