Larry was born July 30, 1951, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Louis and Phyllis Price Ferris. Bro. Ferris was retired as the pastor of Hillside Community Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi. According to his good friend, Bro. Bobby Lowrey, Larry was “one of the most positive and joyful men, that I’ve ever met. A minister and a pastor for more than a few of those, he was always armed with his humor and wit, however, was dead serious in his responsibility to his God and those committed to his care. I wouldn’t call him a perfectionist; he was far too laid back for that. I think that one could say that he was driven to excellence. And excel he did, as a Christian, as a pastor, as a husband, as a father, as an employee, as a neighbor and friend. My dear friend among fellows and Brother in Christ was an example of LOVING THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, SOUL and STRENGTH; AND THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF.” He was always eager to help others and he enjoyed working in his shop on his “woodworking” projects. He will be missed by many who have been touched by his generous sharing of Christ.
Larry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cathy Hemphill Ferris; his daughter, Patricia Fortner and husband, Anthony, of Lucedale, Mississippi; and three sons, William Shepheard and wife, Mandy, of Louisville; Paul Ferris and wife, Andrea; and Joshua Ferris all of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. One of his greatest joys was being “Papaw Larry” to his eight grandchildren: Brooklyn Sparnecht (Dylan); Christian Fortner; Ashley Shepheard; Chelsee Ferris; Matthew Ferris; Cayla Ferris; Benjamin Fortner; and Maura Ferris. Larry is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald John Ferris; his parents; three brothers and two sisters.
Serving as pallbearers are Donald Ferris, James Kevin Grant, Jimmy Higginbotham, Anthony Miles, Jason Ragan, and Scott Round. Memorial contributions in honor of Larry may be given to the Winston-Choctaw Gideon Camp, P. O. Box 556, Louisville, MS 39339 or to Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Glenda Thomas, 215 Thomas Road, Louisville, MS 39339.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
