David M. Farris II
General Manager & Funeral Director Intern
Meet David Farris II, a lifelong resident of Abingdon who truly grew up in the funeral service. As the General Manager of Forest Hills and a Funeral Director Intern, David has been involved in the family business since he was 12, starting with washing cars and odd jobs. He’s been actively involved in management for over 34 years, making service to this community his life's work.
David was drawn to the funeral home out of a deep love for his community and the unique ability to serve families during their most difficult moments. He is especially proud to work alongside his high school sweetheart and wife, Sonya Farris. They are the fourth married couple in his family to serve together—a true testament to their dedication!
David’s professional mission is to work with staff to help families create services that are as unique and special as the loved one they're honoring. He believes every detail matters in planning services – a trait that was passed to him from his grandfather. David is also a member of the Washington County Rotary Club and the Virginia Cemetery Board which is tasked with regulating for-profit cemeteries.
When he's not working, David is a history enthusiast who enjoys reading about the Civil War and WWII and visiting historical sites. He loves classic rock and bluegrass and has a fascinating hobby: collecting and reading about vintage baseball memorabilia from the first half of the 20th century. He's already visited 26 of the 30 Major League Baseball parks and plans to hit them all!
David and Sonya have four adult children, and their house is run by their Mini-Australian Shepherd, Annie, and three cats. With his interest in history, David and Sonya also volunteer to help maintain the town's historical cemetery, where burials date back to the 1700s.
David M. Farris II
General Manager & Funeral Director Intern
Meet David Farris II, a lifelong resident of Abingdon who truly grew up in the funeral service. As the General Manager of Forest Hills and a Funeral Director Intern, David has been involved in the family business since he was 12, starting with washing cars and odd jobs. He’s been actively involved in management for over 34 years, making service to this community his life's work.
David was drawn to the funeral home out of a deep love for his community and the unique ability to serve families during their most difficult moments. He is especially proud to work alongside his high school sweetheart and wife, Sonya Farris. They are the fourth married couple in his family to serve together—a true testament to their dedication!
David’s professional mission is to work with staff to help families create services that are as unique and special as the loved one they're honoring. He believes every detail matters in planning services – a trait that was passed to him from his grandfather. David is also a member of the Washington County Rotary Club and the Virginia Cemetery Board which is tasked with regulating for-profit cemeteries.
When he's not working, David is a history enthusiast who enjoys reading about the Civil War and WWII and visiting historical sites. He loves classic rock and bluegrass and has a fascinating hobby: collecting and reading about vintage baseball memorabilia from the first half of the 20th century. He's already visited 26 of the 30 Major League Baseball parks and plans to hit them all!
David and Sonya have four adult children, and their house is run by their Mini-Australian Shepherd, Annie, and three cats. With his interest in history, David and Sonya also volunteer to help maintain the town's historical cemetery, where burials date back to the 1700s.
Sonya R. Farris
Location Manager Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Sonya is a lifelong resident of Abingdon, drawing deep roots from both sides of her family in the Emory/Meadowview and Saltville areas. Since entering the industry in 1987, Sonya has been driven by a singular purpose: supporting people during grief and loss and helping families find closure by honoring their loved ones in truly meaningful ways.
Her colleagues describe her as compassionate, calm, and kind, qualities that shine through in her work. Sonya finds it deeply fulfilling to support families with empathy and competence, especially on what may be the worst day of their lives. She is most proud of the trust built over generations, reflecting the long-standing relationships she’s cultivated within the community. Ultimately, her hope is that the service she provides will help set the families she cares for on the path to healing.
Outside of the funeral home, Sonya cherishes time spent with her family, which includes her husband, David, her high school sweetheart whom she married while they attended East Tennessee State University. They have four grown children.
A passionate community member, Sonya is part of the Black's Fort Chapter of the Daughter's of the American Revolution. She and David volunteer their time to maintain 10 family plots at the historical Sinking Spring Cemetery, and they attend Simple Rhythms Church. When it’s time to relax, you can find Sonya attending live concerts, sporting events, and traveling.
Sonya R. Farris
Location Manager Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Sonya is a lifelong resident of Abingdon, drawing deep roots from both sides of her family in the Emory/Meadowview and Saltville areas. Since entering the industry in 1987, Sonya has been driven by a singular purpose: supporting people during grief and loss and helping families find closure by honoring their loved ones in truly meaningful ways.
Her colleagues describe her as compassionate, calm, and kind, qualities that shine through in her work. Sonya finds it deeply fulfilling to support families with empathy and competence, especially on what may be the worst day of their lives. She is most proud of the trust built over generations, reflecting the long-standing relationships she’s cultivated within the community. Ultimately, her hope is that the service she provides will help set the families she cares for on the path to healing.
Outside of the funeral home, Sonya cherishes time spent with her family, which includes her husband, David, her high school sweetheart whom she married while they attended East Tennessee State University. They have four grown children.
A passionate community member, Sonya is part of the Black's Fort Chapter of the Daughter's of the American Revolution. She and David volunteer their time to maintain 10 family plots at the historical Sinking Spring Cemetery, and they attend Simple Rhythms Church. When it’s time to relax, you can find Sonya attending live concerts, sporting events, and traveling.
Farris Blackson
Office Manager
As an Office Manager, Farris brings a deep commitment to service, rooted in a lifelong family tradition. A proud fifth-generation funeral service professional, she was inspired by her family's dedication to their community in Abingdon, where she has lived her entire life. Farris has been in the industry since 2013 and is driven by a passion to serve the families in our community.
When asked what motivates her every day, Farris points to her "work family" and the families she has the honor of caring for. She is most proud of the opportunity to serve them and to make a positive impact during their most difficult times.
Outside of work, Farris cherishes time with her husband, Jordan, and their two children. Her hobbies include hiking and traveling, and she loves to give back to the community by volunteering at her church. Since 2013, she and her husband have also graciously hosted exchange students from around the world.
Farris Blackson
Office Manager
As an Office Manager, Farris brings a deep commitment to service, rooted in a lifelong family tradition. A proud fifth-generation funeral service professional, she was inspired by her family's dedication to their community in Abingdon, where she has lived her entire life. Farris has been in the industry since 2013 and is driven by a passion to serve the families in our community.
When asked what motivates her every day, Farris points to her "work family" and the families she has the honor of caring for. She is most proud of the opportunity to serve them and to make a positive impact during their most difficult times.
Outside of work, Farris cherishes time with her husband, Jordan, and their two children. Her hobbies include hiking and traveling, and she loves to give back to the community by volunteering at her church. Since 2013, she and her husband have also graciously hosted exchange students from around the world.
Stephen DeBord
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Meet Stephen DeBord, one of our dedicated Funeral Directors. Though originally from Saltville, VA, Stephen has been a valued part of the Abingdon community for 13 years, bringing a remarkable 22 years of industry experience with him.
For Stephen, working in funeral service wasn't a transition. He knew he wanted to be a Funeral Director since he was in the fifth grade and started working at a local funeral home as soon as he was in high school. His proudest professional achievement is his consistent dedication to the field, serving families for over two decades.
As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Stephen is passionate about giving back to the community by assisting with veterans’ organizations. In his free time, you can find him exploring new places through traveling, getting active with biking, or relaxing by going to the lake. Stephen is a proud dog-owner to his companion, Apollo, who completes his family.
Stephen DeBord
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Meet Stephen DeBord, one of our dedicated Funeral Directors. Though originally from Saltville, VA, Stephen has been a valued part of the Abingdon community for 13 years, bringing a remarkable 22 years of industry experience with him.
For Stephen, working in funeral service wasn't a transition. He knew he wanted to be a Funeral Director since he was in the fifth grade and started working at a local funeral home as soon as he was in high school. His proudest professional achievement is his consistent dedication to the field, serving families for over two decades.
As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Stephen is passionate about giving back to the community by assisting with veterans’ organizations. In his free time, you can find him exploring new places through traveling, getting active with biking, or relaxing by going to the lake. Stephen is a proud dog-owner to his companion, Apollo, who completes his family.
William Denton
Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice
William M. Denton, is an Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer. He is expected to graduate in spring of 2026 and becomes a licensed funeral director and embalmer.
For William, working in the funeral service industry is a lifelong calling. Growing up in Abingdon — he was inspired by his neighbors, the Farris Family of Farris Funeral Service. With twelve years of experience in the field, William’s passion is to be a source of support for grieving families during their darkest times.
His colleagues describe him as funny, compassionate, and easygoing, and it's this same heart that drives his work. William is most proud of the opportunity to serve his community in his current capacity, and he finds motivation and excitement in every day he gets to open his heart to the families he cares for.
When he's not at work, you can find William playing the piano, collecting antiques, and traveling. He also loves to give back to the community by volunteering.
William Denton
Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice
William M. Denton, is an Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer. He is expected to graduate in spring of 2026 and becomes a licensed funeral director and embalmer.
For William, working in the funeral service industry is a lifelong calling. Growing up in Abingdon — he was inspired by his neighbors, the Farris Family of Farris Funeral Service. With twelve years of experience in the field, William’s passion is to be a source of support for grieving families during their darkest times.
His colleagues describe him as funny, compassionate, and easygoing, and it's this same heart that drives his work. William is most proud of the opportunity to serve his community in his current capacity, and he finds motivation and excitement in every day he gets to open his heart to the families he cares for.
When he's not at work, you can find William playing the piano, collecting antiques, and traveling. He also loves to give back to the community by volunteering.
Jim McCall
Funeral Ambassador
Jim McCall
Funeral Ambassador
Wayne Guffey
Funeral Ambassador
Wayne Guffey
Funeral Ambassador
David Robins
Funeral Ambassador Transfer Team Member
David Robins
Funeral Ambassador Transfer Team Member
George Strong
Funeral Ambassador
George Strong
Funeral Ambassador
Betsy Warden
Funeral Ambassador
Betsy Warden
Funeral Ambassador
Debbie Woods
Funeral Ambassador
Debbie Woods
Funeral Ambassador
Claude Worrell
Funeral Ambassador
Claude Worrell
Funeral Ambassador
Pam Ratliff
Funeral Ambassador
Pam Ratliff
Funeral Ambassador
Barbara Farmers
Funeral Ambassador
Barbara Farmers
Funeral Ambassador
