Emile H. Farhood

Emile Farhood passed away peacefully in the Lord on October 29, 2024. The first of four children, he was born on May 21, 1934 in Marjeyoun, Lebanon to Harry and Najla Farhood. Because his father had lived in the United States and established U.S. citizenship, Emile was born a U.S. citizen, a fact of which he was very proud. He spent most of his youth and teenage years in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Emile was an avid sports fan. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school and had a short stint as a semi pro baseball player, playing shortstop.

In the late 1950s, Emile joined the US Armed Forces and was stationed in Germany where he served as an army sergeant. He was extremely proud to call himself a veteran. After serving overseas, he graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Business Administration.

In 1960, Emile moved to Houston, Texas and never left. He called Houston home. In 1961, he married Wadiha "Dee" Farris and had two children, Tracy and EJ. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Emile worked as a wholesale salesman for William Volker Carpet and Flooring and then spent the remainder of his career in sales.

Emile was an avid Houston Astro’s fan and went to some of the very first games in the newly built Astrodome in 1965. His love of baseball continued throughout his life.

Emile was a lifelong, active member of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, attending St. George Orthodox Christian Church in Houston, Texas for over 60 years. He was extremely dedicated to serving his church. He was a member of the parish council for most of his adult life, serving as president for several years. He sang in the church choir every Sunday and worked tirelessly around the church grounds in various capacities, including grounds operations. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Mediterranean Festival at St George.

After raising a family and seeing them grown and settled, Emile married his second wife, Giselle Rashid in 1996. With his second wife he continued his life as a dedicated member of the church and his community. They served as a pillar of the community, with a home that was always welcoming to new members of the church. Every holiday, their home was open to many, offering a home and community for all.

Emile was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sam and wife Nuhad, and his brother Basem.

Emile is survived by his wife Giselle Farhood, daughter Tracy Sackllah and husband Jimmy, son EJ Farhood, grandson David Sackllah and wife Claressa, and their son, (Emile’s newly born great grandson) Jack. He is also survived by sister Emily Rahal and husband Fred, and sister-in-law Janet (Nunu) Farhood as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, god children, extended family members and friends.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the VA as well as his full-time caregiver, Elizabeth, for providing excellent care and kindness to Emile during the last 2 years of his life. We would also like to thank Home Instead and Choice Plus Hospice for the compassionate care they have provided.

All services will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 5311 Mercer Street, Houston TX 77005. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00am, Trisagion and Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am followed by a Meal of Mercy at Noon in the church hall. Internment will begin at 2:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX, 77077.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Orthodox Christian Church.