Ferris "Fefe" Leslie Rivers, age 71, of Tampa, Florida passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024. Ferris was born in Guanaja, Bay Islands, Honduras, and was raised there by his sister Gladys, who he called ‘Lovie’. With the help of U.S. Representative Sam Gibbons, he was able to immigrate to the United States as a young child.
He lived in South Tampa for more than 60 years where many people knew and loved him. Ferris enjoyed walking, and walked enough laps from his home on Meadow St to Gadsden Park near MacDill AFB, to travel across the U.S.
During his walks in the neighborhood, he would help friends with chores and lawn care. Ferris loved to help with his nieces and nephews, especially Olivia, Selah and Julian. He provided care for his parents, mother Trilby and father Albert, who Ferris called ‘Sonny’, until their passing.
Never one to say I can't, he was always there when you needed him.
Ferris was an avid fisherman, loved golf, and he loved dancing and music. Ferris enjoyed going to the Caribbean-American Club in south Tampa, where many holiday events, birthday parties, and dances were held; and he loved to dance with all the ladies from back home.
Ferris loved playing Folsom Prison Blues on his guitar, while his favorite musician was Conway Twitty. Recently his musical taste changed, and he found a new favorite song.... “Jump around” by House of Pain.
He showed us all that we are all capable of great things.
Ferris was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Trilby Rivers and brother Robert E. Rivers. He is survived by sister Gladys Sanns; sister Nellie Patton and spouse Bill; sister Hio Scott and spouse Derwin; sister in law Maxine Rivers; sister in law Grace Rivers; his brother Hewett Rivers and spouse Deloras, and many-many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He will be dearly missed.
Ferris, we all Love You.
A visitation for Fefe will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Florida 33511. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 2323 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Florida 33511. A graveside service will occur Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Florida 33511.
*** A celebration of life meal will be held after the services at 'Bob Evans' located at 10119 Horace Ave, Tampa, FL 33619.
Meals have been purchased for family and friends, and we would love for you to attend. ***
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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