Class Notes

When Tim Farrell helped found the eponymous Terry Fund in the months after Sept. 11, 2001, to memorialize his brother, an FDNY firefighter killed in the attacks, the charity gave small $500 scholarships, said their sibling and the fund’s co-founder, Brian Farrell. In the 18 years since, the fund, named to honor Terry Farrell, who died while serving with Rescue 4, has expanded across the country, with 17 chapters from New York to California, including Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Nevada. Through the efforts of the brothers and others, the fund oversees several charitable efforts, including blood drives, scholarships and the transfer of surplus equipment from fire departments to other agencies in need. Tim Farrell, who operated R.P. McMurphy’s Public House in Wantagh for nearly 40 years before his family sold the bar last year, died Dec. 14 at Good Shepherd Hospice of esophageal cancer. He was 62. Over the past decade, Brian Farrell said, the fund has given $3.5 million cash to first responders and their families, and $4.7 million in equipment. As recently as Friday, the fund donated an ambulance to a fire department in Missouri. “Even while he was in the hospital and he only had a week to live he directed a fundraiser,” Brian Farrell said Thursday of Tim Farrell. “We all told him to cancel it – and he raised another $12,000 for first responders and their families.” The fund that bears their hero brother’s name got started at the family’s Wantagh Avenue bar when the sale of dark blue memorial T-shirts netted $17,000 – and grew from there. One of the sponsors, bourbon maker Jim Beam, has donated nearly a half million dollars over the years. Terry Farrell was in Tower Two when it collapsed after the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000, including 342 other FDNY firefighters. He was also a chief of the volunteer fire department in Dix Hills and donated bone marrow to a girl in Nevada in the mid-1990s. Timothy Michael Farrell was born Sept. 17, 1957, on Long Island to Joseph M. Farrell, a Town of Oyster Bay building inspector, and his wife Ruth Marie Kelly Farrell, a homemaker. The family had moved to East Meadow and then Hicksville, from Elmhurst, Queens. He attended Hicksville High School and Maryville College in Tennessee. Tim Farrell lived in Hicksville before marrying Alice O’Keefe and moving to Wantagh. He is survived by his wife along with siblings Brian of Wantagh, Dennis of Oyster Bay, Kevin of Wantagh, and Kieran of Parrish, Florida. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Frances De Chantal Roman Catholic Church in Wantagh, with burial to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale.

Charles Jacob Farris, age 85, of Chambersburg, PA passed away December 31, 2018. He was born in Charlotte,NC, June 15, 1933, to Clyde A. Farris, Sr. and Melba Kerne George Farris. Mr. Farris was a US Air Force veteran. He was a graduate of Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He was an Associate Professor of Music at Wilson College for 25 years. He was the organist and director of music at several local churches, most recently Trinity Episcopal Church in Chambersburg and St. John's Episcopal Church in Carlisle. He was a charter member of the Chambersburg chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He was a guest carillonneur at Mercersburg Academy for many years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine E. Farris, (husband Scott L. Ruark) and grandson, Jacob L. Ruark. He is also survived by nephews, C. Alexander Farris, T. Frederick Farris, and James L. Farris, and niece, C. Faith Teem, as well as great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Goldie Lovins Farris in 2017, his brothers, Clyde A. Farris, Jr. and George W. Farris, and his nephew, William C. Farris. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 431 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201. The family will receive friends Friday, January 4, 2019, from 1 – 3 and 6 – 8 PM in Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. Interment will be private, in Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at Trinity Lutheran Church at the above address.

Mary Jean Partridge Faulkner passed away peacefully on June 15, 2022, just three months shy of her 100th birthday. She was a resident of Sterling Estates in Marietta, Georgia. She formerly lived in Tuscumbia, Alabama, since 1982 when she and her husband moved from Tionesta, Pennsylvania, where they had lived for 37 years. She was the widow of James Lionel Faulkner who preceded her in death in 1997. In 2017, she moved to Marietta, Georgia, to be near family.

Mrs. Faulkner was born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Rev. Claude and Nan Partridge. She was a graduate of Pensacola High School and Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, where she met her husband. Mrs. Faulkner taught elementary school for many years in Tionesta, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Faulkner’s faith never wavered, not even in college when a few professors attempted to sway students away from their belief in the validity of the Bible. Her love of hearing the Word of God preached and taught was a highlight of each week, and she remained active in First Presbyterian Church in Tuscumbia until her move to Marietta. Her faith remained steadfast and enabled her to live a life filled with joy even after becoming a widow. She prayed faithfully for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

At 94 Mrs. Faulkner began watercolor painting while living at Sterling Estates. Through the encouragement of an amazing instructor, she surprised her family with her artistic ability. Family members will continue to enjoy her lovely paintings for years to come.
Mrs. Faulkner is survived by her three children, Carol DeMar (Gary) of Marietta, Georgia, Jamie Guthrie (Trace) of Cibolo, Texas, and Jeffrey Faulkner of Concord, Ohio; five grandchildren (Lauren, Joel, David, James, and Milam), and thirteen great grandchildren (Thomas and Mary Kate; Calvin, Juliana, Charlie, and Simon; Paul, Thomas, Esther, Anthony, and Frances; Flynn and Henri).

William “Bill” Oliver Faulkner, Jr.
August 18, 1930 – March 31, 2022
Macon, Georgia –
William “Bill” Oliver Faulkner, Jr., 91, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022. Bill was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee to Wilella Aycock Faulkner and William Oliver Faulkner, Sr. He graduated from Central High School in 1948 and then attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN where he met his wife, Betty Lester of Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Maryville in 1952, he moved to Knoxville, TN to attend the University of Tennessee where he completed his Master’s in business in 1953.
Bill entered the United States Navy in 1953 where he became an ENS, (SC) U.S.N.R. January 29, 1954. Betty and Bill were married in February of 1954 at the Emory University Theology Chapel and then moved to Athens, Georgia where he attended the U.S. Navy Supply Corp School. In June of 1954 they moved and were stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and joined the Second Fleet serving in the amphibious force on the Vesole (DD-878). Bill was released from active duty in December of 1956 with the rank of Lt. (SC) U.S.N.R.
In 1961 received the Graduate Certificate American Institute of Banking, graduated from Rutgers in 1964 and in 1969 from Harvard Business School. He lived and worked in Atlanta, Lake Forest, IL, and Athens, GA, part-time in Highlands, NC and part-time in St. Simons Island, GA before settling in Macon. Bill retired after 33 years with C&S National Bank in Macon.
He served on a number of boards in Macon, including Mercer University, 1984 Cherry Blossom, Boy Scouts of America, Chamber of Commerce and the MedCenter Foundation to name a few. He also served on the Board of Directors with many of the state’s banks. Bill was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. They decided to move to their vacation home in St. Simons Island in September of 2016, but moved back to Macon in 2019 due to health reasons for the both of them.
Bill is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Betty Lester Faulkner; daughter, Lisa Faulkner Krommes (Earl) of Macon; their children; Matthew Krommes of Warner Robins and Jennifer Krommes Dailey (Robbie); great-grandson, Camden Dailey; his son, Dr. Bill Faulkner, III (Catherine) of Siler City, NC; brother, Dr. Samuel Faulkner (Dora) of Boca Raton, FL; niece, Lee Ann Oppenheimer (Jonathan); and her children of Franklin, TN; Dora’s daughter, Emily Greece.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Oakes at Peake, Mr. Jerry Rowland, Mr. Wendell Williams and the staff at Pine Pointe Hospice for all their help, kindness and support.

On Sunday Aug 12th, 2018 we had to say good-bye to Reverend Charles William “Papa Chuck”” Feast, who was born June 1st, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of the late Thomas William and Emma Fineisen Feast. After graduating from Bartram High School in Philadelphia, PA, Charlie attended and graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, TN where he met his future wife Sandra Malone. He served in the Army Reserves while at Maryville, and later attended Chaplain School at Fort Dix. His continued education was at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. He served as pastor of Presbyterian churches in both Florida and Georgia before transitioning to becoming a Senior Sales Representative and Certified Life Underwriter for Presbyterian Ministers Fund (PMF) in Virginia. After twenty years, Charlie was promoted to Senior Lead Trainer for PMF and relocated to Smyrna, Ga. In 2001 he proceeded to join with Townsend Tax Service for eleven years working as an accountant. He is survived by Sandra, his wife of nearly 56 years; their two daughters Leigh Ann (Joel) Neely and Katherine Hope Feast; grandson Turner Charles Neely; sister Charlotte (Wayne) Kroog; nieces and nephews; and cousins in the US and England. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas William Feast, Jr. He was an avid lover of HO scale model railroading, all things train related, making home movies, reading, traveling, and playing Minecraft with his grandson. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by donations to the “Fresh Look” Campaign – FPC or Maryville College (Office of Institutional Advancement, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804). “People, get ready There’s a train a-coming You don’t need no ticket You just get on board All you need is faith To hear the diesels humming Don’t need no ticket You just thank the Lord” Rod Stewart

of Cleveland, TN passed away Friday evening October 24, 2014. He was a native of Pitcarin, PA and had lived in Cleveland since 1954. He was the son of the late Claude E. and Louise P. Feehrer. He was a long time member of Broad Street United Methodist Church serving his church in many capacities including Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Pastor Parrish. He also was a teacher of the Disciple Bible class for many years. Feehrer was retired from Cherokee Valley Bank having served the financial industry over 30 years. At the time of his retirement he held the position of President and CEO as well as Chairman of the Board. He was a Navy Veteran of WWII and earned his BA from Maryville College and received his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. Before entering the thrift industry, he was personnel director at Burlington Industries in Cleveland from 1956 to 1958. Feehrer had been very active on both the state and national levels for the financial industry. He served as president of the TN State League and chairman of the State Legislative Committee. He held numerous other positions in the TN State League including treasurer and Vice President and served as Chairman of the Insurance Committee. On a national level, Feehrer served on the Land Use Development Committee, the Advisory Committee on State Legislation and the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. He also served on the Board of Directors of Savings and Loan Data Corporation of Cincinnati. Feehrer’s many civic and business activities included: past district commissioner, Boy Scouts of America; past chairman, Bradley Co. United Fund; past president, Cleveland Jaycees where he was named Young Man of the Year in 1960; past president, Cleveland Family YMCA; and past president, Junior Achievement of Bradley Co. Feehrer was also past chairman of the Bradley Co. Regional Planning Commission; past secretary and treasurer of the Cleveland Industrial Bond Board; past president, Cleveland Rotary Club; past director Southeast Regional YMCA. Feehrer also served on the Board of Trustees of Hiwassee, Tennessee Wesleyan and Emory and Henry Colleges and the Cleveland State Community College Foundation and Chairman of the Foundations Investment Committee. He and his family loved spending time with family and friends at Parksville Lake during the many summers of his life. Many special memories will live on through his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Tennessee Vol fan and loved his Big Orange, traveling to many venues to cheer them on. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Alice Grant Kelly Feehrer, along with his children Majie Millaway (Gary), Kelly Feehrer (Edie) and Sammy Feehrer (Anne) all of Cleveland, his grandchildren Brad Millaway (Sara), Sarah Jane Moore (Chase), Emily Davidson (Corey), Patten Feehrer, Grant Feehrer and Bailey Feehrer. Great grandchildren include Tapanga, Addison, Colten, Reese and Izzy and his special cousin Mary Kathryn Vanosdale, whom he thought of as a second daughter. A service of Remembrance was conducted at Broad Street United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the Reverends Skip White and Randy Martin officiating. Visitation was in the Narthex of the church from 3:00 to 4:00 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Broad Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3, Cleveland, TN 37364 or any charity of your choice. Special thanks to Garden Plaza personnel and staff, Helping Hands of Cleveland and Avalon Hospice Care.

– age 99, of Dandridge, died Tuesday, July 15, after a long and fruitful life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Wallace and Eva Blackburn McMurray, her husband of 61 years, Edward Stanley Felknor, and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mil

Maryville High School’s Dr. Penny Ferguson travels to Mount Vernon to study George Washington The Daily Times – July 2, 2017 Maryville High School teacher Dr. Penny Ferguson traveled to George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, for a residential professional development program June 13-17. The George Washington Teacher Institute program included collaborating with Mount Vernon historians, curators and educators. In addition to studying Washington’s role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, participants explored the broader context of these conflicts on 18th century. This seminar totally changed my perspective about the American Revolution, said Ferguson, who teaches Advanced Placement English. In addition to seminars from experts, we had an after-hours mansion tour, a field trip to the American History Museum and complete access to the grounds. We had our morning coffee on the piazza of Mount Vernon watching the sun rise over the Potomac. George and Martha Washington came to life as the week progressed.

MC alumna Penny Ferguson '69 is among ten women who have been nominated for the sixth annual Blount County Athena Award, which will be presented on Jan. 24, 2019 at the Clayton Center for the Arts. The Athena Award recognizes women for using strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment to make outstanding contributions to the community. Ferguson has taught English at Maryville High School for more than 45 years.

During the 34th Annual Daily Times Academic Awards on May 6, 2019, Penny Blackwood Ferguson ’69 and Adriel McCord ’00 were inducted into the Daily Times Wall of Fame, which recognizes professional achievement and community involvement. Ferguson is a nationally recognized teacher at Maryville High School, and McCord is vice president of First Tennessee Bank.

Jenna Hunt ’18 married Chris Fernandez ’20 on June 21, 2022.

Chris Fernandez ’20 married Jenna Hunt ’18 on June 21, 2022.

Mary Ellen Ferraro, 80, of Bridgewater, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 25, 2022, with her children by her side. Mary Ellen was born in New York City, NY, on April 22, 1942, to John E. and Edith Lutz Pettigrew. Her family moved to Morristown, NJ in 1946 where she stayed until graduating from Morristown High School with the Class of 1960. She attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN where she received a Bachelor of Science in 1964. In 1965 she married Joseph Ferraro and shortly after moved to Ibadan, Nigeria for Joe’s job. They spent the next 10 years back and forth, living in Africa and in NJ. Their daughter Stacey was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and their son Kevin, born in Morristown, NJ, lived in South Africa as a toddler. They moved to Bridgewater, NJ in 1975, where Mary Ellen lived for 47 years. Mary Ellen was a programmer and system analyst by profession and retired from Zinsser in 2008. Throughout her adventurous life, she loved to travel, including the Galapagos, Russia, Italy, New Zealand, and most recently the length of the Pacific Coast Highway. She was an avid reader who loved games, all foods and had an affection for all animals, especially birds. However, her two biggest loves were quilting and her grandsons, whom she visited with in South Carolina every winter. She was kind, thoughtful, intelligent, and she had an enthusiasm for life that was contagious to all who had the great fortune of knowing her. Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Stacey Ferraro and son-in-law, Craig Cascio Sr; her son, Kevin Ferraro, daughter-in-law Nicole Ferraro, and grandsons Griffin and Logan; her brother, Walter Pettigrew and sister-in-law, Laurie Pettigrew; her sister Kathryn Zunich; her brother David Pettigrew; and her nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, John E. and Edith Lutz Pettigrew, and sister Barbara Bacon.

John P. “Jack”. Born March 4, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio; the youngest of eleven children of William L.B. and Bertha Ferris; Jack passed on September 22, 2011, after a lengthy battle with cancer in Sacramento, California. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Patricia and son Daniel Keith Ferris. He is survived by sons David (Laurie) and John (Mary) and Dan’s family Lisa (wife) and grandchildren Shelley and Richie; grandson Nick Martines. Jack moved to California to open a new Formica plant in 1964 where he loved the work, people and the hot weather. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory to American Cancer Society, National Parkinson Foundation or Maryville College are welcome.

Lakewood Police Identify Injured Agent: On Monday, December 27th, the Lakewood and Denver communities faced an unimaginable tragedy when a gunman opened fire in both cities, killing five and injuring others. Among those injured was a Lakewood Police Agent.  After shooting and killing 38-year-old Danny Scofield at the Lucky 13 tattoo shop, the 47-year old male suspect traveled to the Belmar shopping area where he gunned down 28-year-old Sarah Steck as she worked at the Hyatt House. At several points during this situation, the suspect exchanged gunfire with Lakewood and Denver Police. From there, the shooter headed to the area of Alaska and Vance when he encountered Lakewood Police Agent Ashley Ferris. Agent Ferris ordered him to drop his weapon as he approached her. The suspect ignored her commands and shot Agent Ferris, striking her in the abdomen. Agent Ferris, shot and wounded on the ground, was able to return fire on the suspect. The suspect was shot by Agent Ferris and died on scene. If not for the heroic efforts of Agent Ferris and other law enforcement, this incredibly violent tragedy could have been even worse. Two photos of Agent Ferris are included in this release. Agent Ferris remains in a local hospital with her family by her side. Her family is asking for privacy during this time of healing.  “All of us at the Lakewood Police Department are incredibly proud of Agent Ferris and the bravery shown by her and her fellow law enforcement officers during this active shooter situation. The entire Lakewood Police family will be here to support Agent Ferris and her family as she embarks on this recovery process.” says Lakewood Police Chief Dan McCasky, “Our hearts are incredibly heavy with the loss of life and injuries suffered by others during this rampage. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cardenas, Gunn-Maldonado, Scofield, Steck and Swinyard families, as well as the families of those injured.” Donations to help support the victims, families & survivors of Monday’s mass shooting incident in Lakewood & Denver can be made through the Colorado Healing Fund at https://www.coloradohealingfund.org/.  More about Ashley:  https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/learn-by-experience/research/search/ashley-ferris-15/

Harriet McKean Fields, age 90, of St. Petersburg passed away on Wednesday (March 29, 2017) at Signature Healthcare of Pinellas Park, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Ocala, Fla., on Aug. 20, 1926, to the late Hugh McKean and the late Gertrude Dodd, she married Herbert Johnson in 1956. After his death in 1959, she married Richard Fields in 1976. Harriet graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee with her bachelor’s degree in physics. She worked for the University of Illinois as a computer programmer for 20 years. Harriet is survived by her daughter, Emily Johnson; granddaughter, Max Fox; grandson, Alex Fox; and three great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her second husband, Richard Fields. There was a gathering on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes, 2201 Dr. M.L. King Street North, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Virginia Gates Figueredo passed away May 26, 2022. She was born at home in the Township of Yorkville, Illinois November 6, 1923 to Albert and Genevieve Gates. Graduated from high school in 1941 and attended Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee where she earned a BA and in 1973, she earned a Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University. She became an elementary school teacher and taught for 2 years in Aurora, Illinois, and moved to Southern California and taught in Pomona, Redondo Beach and Torrance retiring at 55. During that same time she and Bob raised four children. She then spent 3 years selling real estate before moving to Caldwell, Idaho, and a small farm in 1982. In 2002 she moved into town and later moved to Grass Valley, California before moving to Florence, Oregon.

Virginia is survived by her sons Tony and Albert Figueredo, her daughter Beth Klinghardt, nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Robert (Bob) Figueredo, son James Figueredo, and three great grandchildren.

was named Outstanding Graduate Student in Experimental Psychology for 2013-2014

Bob published his memoir: Be A Good Boy; My Journey from Self-Loathing to Self-Love in October, 2018. Available on Amazon or Kindle.

Good News, Robert W. Finertie ’57 turned 90 the day his book was published. This book is the story of hope. help and being spared.  Grace In Time: A Memoir, tells the story of being spared from stage two melanoma (1976), from colon cancer which required a sigmoid resection of his bowel and removal of a fist-sized tumor and 14 inches of his sigmoid colon (1992) and, spared from a stroke which threatened his life, in 2022.

This is his second book. Both are available on Amazon.com, as a paperback and an ebook, just in time for Christmas.

Charles W. Finley passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the age of 76 while battling cancer. His father once told him that education is one thing that no one can ever take from you. Because he believed so strongly in the value of an education, Charles spent his life as a teacher, a principal, and a member of the Blount County Board of Education, always encouraging young people. At the time of his death, Charles was about to begin his 50th year of coaching. Each coaching position and each player held a special place in his heart. He is survived by his wife, Babs Finley. Charles was preceded in death by: parents, C.L. and Oneida Finley; sister, Donna; brother, Joe Allen; his children, Chris and Tamara. Charles’ other survivors include Tamara’s children, Chad and Matthew Barham (father, John Barham and wife, Heather); Judy Finley (Chris and Tamara’s mother); stepsons, Chris Conner (wife, Melissa and children Reid and Eliza) and David Conner (son, Jones). Charles will be remembered by other extended family members, his many friends, and former students and players who were touched and enriched by his presence in their lives. At Charles’ request his body will be cremated and no services will be held. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service.

Bonnie Finn recently completed her two Master’s degrees (Musicology, ’16 and Information Science, ’17) and accepted her first professional position (July 2019) at the College of Saint Benedict / Saint John’s University in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Bonnie is the Fine Arts Librarian (music, theater, art) for the joint Benedictine institutions, which have three libraries – the Music Library located in the arts building, Clemens Library @ St. Benedict’s, and Alcuin Library @ St. John’s. She is liaison and teaches information literacy for the Fine Arts, History, and Military Science departments.

Mildred Gouldelock Fipps passed away September 28, 1999.

passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the age of 95. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1919, just as his parents had joined the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions as educational missionaries to Persia. He celebrated his first birthday in Bombay, India, and then traveled by rail to Calcutta, up the Persian Gulf to Basra, Iraq, and finally by horse and wagon to Hamadan (the ancient Etebana in the Book of Ruth) He lived for the next fourteen years in this ancient capital of Darius and Xerxes. John’s youth was genuinely Kiplingesque: he was tutored by his parents in the classics in the mission compound, cared for by an Assyrian nanny and played with Persian children. His early years were thus trilingual – Assyrian, Farsi, and English. By the time John returned to the U.S. he was sent on his own via a “taxi” service – Rolls Royce Ltd, gigantic old Rolls Royce that carried passengers along the old silk road, picking up in Tehran, Baghdad, Damascus and on westward to Istanbul. Professionally, John H. Fisher was widely accomplished as a teacher, scholar, and administrator, with a teaching career that spanned more than 50 years, a publishing career of more than 60, and an equally impressive record of academic service. He attended Maryville College, TN (A.B. 1940), Distinguished Alumni Citation (1963), Board of Directors (1972-75). His graduate study was at the University of Pennsylvania (A.M., 1942; Ph.D., 1945). He was awarded L.H.D. by Loyola University of Chicago (1970) and Litt.D. by Middlebury College, VT (1970). A member of Phi Beta Kappa, he served as senator-at-large (1977-83). He was known by his colleagues as an extraordinarily generous and helpful man who aided the careers of many. He began teaching as a graduate assistant at University of Pennsylvania (1942-45), and served on the faculties of New York University (1945-55, 1962-72); Duke University (1955-60); Indiana University (1960-62); summers at University of Southern California (1955) and University of Michigan (1956); John C, Hodges Professor of English, University of Tennessee (1972-88), Head of Tennessee English Department (1976-78); Visiting Professor New York University (1990) and University of Texas at San Antonio (1996). His scholarly contributions are in American Education, the English Language, and Medieval Literature. In additional to numerous articles, he wrote or edited many books, including The Tretyse of Loue (Early English Text Society, 1951; reprinted 1970), John Gower, Moral Philosopher and Friend of Chaucer (New York University Press, 1964, Methuen 1965), The College Teaching of English (National Council of the Teachers of English, 1965), The Medieval Literature of Western Europe (Modern Language Association, 1966), In Forme of Speche is Chaunge: Readings in the History of the English Language (Prentice-Hall, 1974, University Press of America, 1984), The Complete Poetry and Prose of Geoffrey Chaucer (3 editions 1977, 1988, 2012); An Anthology of Chancery English (University of Tennessee Press, 1984), The Essential Chaucer (G. K. Hall and Mansell, 1987), The Importance of Chaucer (University of Southern Illinois Press, 1991), The Emergence of Standard English (University of Kentucky Press, 1995), The Complete Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer (Cengage, 2005), and The Variorum Edition of The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale (University of Oklahoma Press, 2012). He served as Assistant Secretary of the Modern Language Association of America (1948-52), MLA Treasurer (1952-55), MLA Executive Secretary and Editor of PMLA (1963-71), MLA Vice-President (1972-73), MLA President (1974). He co-founded the New Chaucer Society in 1974 and served as its Bibliographer (1974-77), President (1982), and Director (1982-89). He was elected Fellow of the Medieval Academy of America (1983), Academy Vice-President (1985-86), Academy President (1987), and President of the Academy Society of Fellows (1993-96). He served as English Consultant to the National Endowment for the Humanities (1965-88), NEH Senior Research Fellow (1975-76); member of the U.S. Commission for UNESCO (1965-69); member of the Federation Internationales des Langues et Literatures Modernes (1967-71), FILLM American Vice President (1972-74); American Committee of the Modern Humanities Research Association (1972-92); and National Council of the Teachers of English Distinguished Lecturer (1972). A biography and bibliography of Fisher’s professional career through 1986 are available in Standardizing English: Essays in the History of the English Language in Honor of John Hurt Fisher, edited by Joseph B. Trahern, Jr. (University of Tennessee Press, 1989).

writes in to share that she is retiring March 1, 2019 as Manager of Reference and Nonfiction at the Nashville Public Library Main Library after 47 years.