Willis Wayne Barris

Willis Wayne “Will” Barris, 86, of Knox, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025 at the AGH Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Born January 10, 1939, in Knox, Will was the son of the late Gerald and Geraldine Barris.

Will graduated from Keystone High School then served in the US Air Force from 1957 through 1979.  After retiring from the military, he continued his education at Clarion University where he received his Master’s Degree in speech pathology.

On June 16, 1961, Will married Jean Turner who survives.

Will served 22 years in the USAF where he retired at the rank of E-8, he drove a truck for W. Dean Weaver Trucking, then worked at the Riverview I.U. as a speech pathologist until his retirement.

Will was a dedicated member of the Knox Lion’s Club, the Dehart-Wenner American Legion Post 997 of Lamartine, and the Grace E.C. Church where he served as a trustee for many years and organized the church security team.

Along with his wife, Will is survived by his children David (Marilyn) Barris of Knox, Edward Barris of Williamsport and Christine (Kevin) Ashbaugh of Knox; a daughter in law Gina Barris of St. Petersburg; four grandchildren Heather (Robbie) Knight of Knox, Branden (Carter) Barris of Texas, Abigail Barris of Clarion and Reagan Ashbaugh of Knox; five great grandchildren Cyllus Barris of Williamsport, Brody and Ryleigh Knight of Knox, and Mason and Maverick Barris of Texas; three step grandchildren and three sisters Marie Altman of Zanesville, OH, Janet Aaron of Knox and Linda Smith of Florida.

Will was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Geraldine Barris, a son Michael Barris and two sisters Leona Brown and Doris Jean Dolby.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home, Inc., 504 East Penn Ave., Knox, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, 2561 Grace Church Road, Knox.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the church with Pastor Michael Will, of Grace E.C. Church officiating.  Interment will be held at 2 p.m. in the Knox Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial be made to the Knox Lions Club, PO Box 512, Knox PA 16232 or the Grace E.C. Church.

To view and share photos or leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com.

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