Virginia farrier Richard Lee "Horseshoe" Ferris passed away on March 23, 2024. He was 99.

Ferris served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942-1945 in the South Pacific aboard three ships across six battles. Once he returned home, Ferris spent 15 years as a successful horse trainer and the following 40 years as a farrier for the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas. He remained a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1264, where he was a member of the Roanoke Valley Honor Guard for 12 years.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations made to VFW Post 1264.