Virgil Lee Phariss of Yuba City, peacefully passed away August 1, 2016. He was 82, born April 30, 1934 to parents Walter and Opal Phariss, who lived in Porterville, CA. Virgil was raised on the family chicken ranch where he learned great work ethics and the discipline of finishing a job well done. He graduated from Lindsey High School in 1952. The family relocated to Santa Cruz where as a teen he worked on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean War, receiving an Honorable Discharge January 7, 1954. From age 20 to 27 Virgil became a professional ballroom dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Melon Park area. After 7 years he changed careers and went to work for Lockheed in San Jose, CA, building the Polaris Missile. He left Lockheed to get his Contractors License and became an accomplished Building Contractor in the Bay area, building many houses and apartment complexes. He also became a Licensed Real Estate Agent. In 1985 he met his wife, Nancy. At that time he was an Owner/Operator of an Avis Rental Car Agency, eventually owning two very successful agencies in San Jose and Santa Cruz.

He retired in 1996 and built a beautiful home in Penn Valley, CA where he and Nancy resided for 8 years; they then purchased a home in Yuba City where he resided until his passing.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Nancy Mae Phariss; son Scott Phariss (Jennifer); daughter Colleen Gilbert (Michael) and brother Gary of Santa Cruz. Grandchildren Rodney, Nic and Kyle Phariss; Heidi Arnberg, Ryan Lewis, Brianna and Lauren Gilbert and eight great-grandchildren.

Virgil was a member of the Moose Lodge and a Patriot to his Country. He believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was a perfect example of planning ahead, living, loving, forgiving, accepting and seeing life as good. His favorite saying was ... "and that's the way the west was won!"

Memorial services are planned for Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Lipp & Sullivan in Marysville, CA.

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