Charles Ray Farris

Charles, “Charlie,” was born on June 29, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Alford M. Farris and Eunice Bertha Guy Farris. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was also a loyal friend and a very knowledgeable, dedicated business owner.

Charlie was an Air Force veteran and remained a lifetime supporter of the military. Charlie enlisted in the Air Force in 1957, at the young age of 17. After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and continued training in Biloxi, Mississippi, he was deployed to Germany. His unit reported to NSA. He had SCI clearance during the Cold War and witnessed the building of the East German Wall. Charlie, Traudy (his first wife from Germany), and son, Pete, born in 1961, moved to Texas. They eventually moved to Chicago, where Charlie worked as an Air Traffic Controller. Later, he took a job offer from Raytheon to work in Europe as a contractor to monitor the DEW line. He was in Italy for two years and then transferred to Germany. He met his second wife, Karin Kostle, in Kassel, Germany, in 1968, and they were married on December 9, 1969. They moved to Los Angeles, California, for Charlie to start college to obtain his Electronic Engineering degree, in which he accomplished a four-year degree in three years.

From 1976 to 1986, Charlie worked for Hughes Aircraft, Rockwell International, E-Systems, and ILC Space Systems. During that time, Charlie received his master’s degree in international marketing and celebrated the surprise arrival of their son, Scott Gregory, in 1979. After the Challenger explosion in 1986, Charlie started CF Scientific Systems and later connected with ETS Lindgren in Austin, Texas. Charlie continued to work until days before passing away. The Farris family settled in Arlington, Texas, and resided in the same residence for 40 years.

Along with all the achievements listed, Charlie was a 32nd Degree Mason and a long-time member of the BPOE. Charlie spoke several languages. He had a commercial pilot’s license. He was an author. He had a place for everything, along with a story to go along with it. He enjoyed telling jokes. His infectious laugh was probably the real reason behind people laughing at the jokes that he thought were so funny. He was a history buff. If he didn’t know the answer to a question, he’d say, “Well, let’s google it and find out.” He loved his Chinese food, crosswords, word searches, breakfast sandwiches, but mostly he boasted of his “Out of This World” bedroom.

Charlie was a big part of the cheering section for his children and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of the strides they have made to explore the many possibilities and adventures to help them succeed in life. He was always making sure everyone was safe before getting on the road. Checking tire pressure, oil and gas levels, and mapping out routes were a few ways he showed he cared. He supported small businesses and made many donations to different programs in the area. He helped many people during his time on earth.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Karin Farris; son, Pete Farris (Jean); grandchildren, Zachary Matthew, Jennifer, Zachary Taylor, and Emily; along with five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Farris, along with his extended family and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Scott Gregory Farris, and several siblings.