David "Boo" Ferriss

Dec. 5, 1921-Nov. 24, 2016

- How does one encapsulate a life, so large, that generations have felt its impact? David Meadow Ferriss (95) was born in Shaw, Mississippi on Dec. 5, 1921 and this morning (Nov. 24, 2016), less than a mile from the field that bears his name, he passed peacefully with his family at his side.From his days as a young athlete in Shaw to becoming one of Mississippi's greatest baseball players and coaches, there was always something special about "Boo." Out of a frame that produced a Hall of Fame career with the Boston Red Sox flowed a magnetism that brought everyone he encountered into a life-long bond with "Coach." His ability to connect with whomever he was interacting with was his gift. As much as he loved the game, it was the relationships that came from it that mattered most.His exploits on the baseball field are well-documented, but simply stated, the influence he had in the lives of others is his greatest legacy.As a teammate, teacher or coach, his primary focus was always on the betterment of individuals. He built his program on the principles of hard work, faith and education. Out of that recipe came some of the state's greatest players and coaches. It can be said that no single individual has played a larger role in the growth of baseball in Mississippi, than Coach Ferriss.Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 110 Bishop Road, from 4-8 p.m.A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Covenant Presbyterian Church with Rev. Tim Starnes officiating. Overflow seating will be available in the fellowship hall. Burial will be private.On-site parking is available as well as overflow lots at Ray Funeral Home and Western Plaza. Shuttle service will be running throughout the visitation on Tuesday and during Wednesday's memorial service.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following:• Delta State Baseball, P.O. Box 3161-DSU, Cleveland, MS 38733• Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P. O. Box 449, Ridgeland, MS 39158• Covenant Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 896, Cleveland, MS 38732• Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, 1152 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216.