Moses C. Farris was born in Jonesville, Louisiana to Abe and Minnie Todd Farris. He was one of six children born to that union who were reared in Good Pine, Louisiana. After completing two years of military service, Coach Farris attended and graduated from Grambling State University. He later completed graduate studies at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Mr. Farris began his teaching career in 1966, and spent almost 30 years as a teacher and coach at Carroll Junior High School. Coach Farris devoted many years and much time and effort to the athletic programs at Carroll Junior and Senior High Schools. During his tenure at Carroll Junior High, he coached football, basketball, and baseball – sometimes all at the same time.
To ensure that his students had the equipment that they needed, Coach Farris often bought plain uniforms and heat pressed the school name and students’ numbers on their uniforms himself in order to minimize costs. Because of his interest in the academic performance and general welfare of all students who passed through the Carroll community, Mr. Farris often was the first person on the school’s campus and the last to leave. He bought shoes and equipment for students in need and paid fees for those who could not afford to participate in school activities.
Coach Farris often was an initial and important influence on students who participated in Carroll Junior and Senior High School athletics, many of whom went on to successful professional athletic careers. He demanded that his athletes develop the dedication, respect, and knowledge of their chosen sport such that they would be capable of competing at all levels. Through the years, many of those athletes came back to thank him for the skill that he provided and compassion that he showed them during their years under his tutelage.
Coach Moses Farris retired from the Monroe City School System in 1995, and departed this life in 2002. He and his wife, Ethel Broadnax (who preceded him in death), had two children; Anthony (Debra) Farris and Penelope (John) Robinson. He also had an adopted Goddaughter, Veronica (Armond) Lewis. Coach Farris left indelible marks on the lives of many students who remember him with tremendous respect and gratitude.