Gary Vaughn Farris, 71, of Buena Vista, Virginia, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 18, 2021 at home, surrounded by family.

Gary was born in Waynesboro to Vernon and Barbara Jo Farris on June 30, 1949.

He married Brenda Layne on November 29, 1974 in Buena Vista.

He was a U. S. Air Force veteran, serving in Guam during the Vietnam War. After the Air Force, he worked many different jobs to support his family, from REA Wire to wholesale car sales.

Later in life he found his true calling, playing music. In 1994, he and Mitchell Davis founded the bluegrass band, Nothin' Fancy. For 18 years he lived his dream playing bluegrass music all over the United States, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and the Caribbean. He was able to play with many of the great Bluegrass pickers, Ralph Stanley, Charlie Waller and Rhonda Vincent, to name a few. He played the Ryman Auditorium, the Lincoln Center and the Birchmere. In those years the band received six SPBGMA awards.

Gary is preceded in death by his father, Vernon Farris; his mother, Barbara Jo Farris; and his brother, Roger Farris.

Gary is survived by his wife, Brenda; three sons, Brien (Dawn), Chris (Erin), and Jason; grandchildren, Sierra (Jonathan), Ryan, Andrew, Alex, Braylon, Madison, Ashlyn and Emma; great-grandchildren, Brinlee and Cohen; sister, Debbie Graham (David); brothers, Victor (Robin), Tony (Marilyn), Kimball (Paulene), and Eric; half siblings, Bobby Terry and Mary Martin.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24 at Green Hill Cemetery by the Rev. Dean Staton and Dorsey Hostetter. Masks and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rockbridge Area Hospice or Wounded Warrior Foundation. Gary's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the VA Medical Center, Home Based Primary Care and Rockbridge Area Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.