Philip Randall Farris , MD

Phil Farris, MD, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2018. Dr. Farris was a retired orthopedic surgeon. It was often said Phil lived one and a half lives in his short 66 years. Dr. Farris is survived by his wife, Laura Farris, his brother Bart Farris, MD (Cherise), and his children: Jennifer McMillan (Lee), Lindsay Dawson (Joe), Kelley Slocum (Brett), Jessica Lowe (Jeff), Savanna Farris, and Tippi Jilek. He was a grandfather to six beautiful grandchildren: Lillian, Kathleen and Margaret Dawson; Randall and Lee McMillan; Norah Lowe, all of whom he adored. As a youth, Dr. Farris attended the Country Day School in New Orleans, where he later enjoyed serving as the school’s doctor for both their soccer and football teams. He is a graduate of Baylor School in Chattanooga in 1970 and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia 1974. Upon graduating from college, Dr. Farris went on to attend Tulane Medical School obtaining his medical degree in 1979. He did his medical residency and then fellowship in orthopedics at Tulane Affiliated Hospitals from 1985 to 1989.

Dr. Farris was proud to serve his country in the military as a Commander on the USNS Comfort Hospital ship during Desert Storm and the first Iraqi Gulf War. He served as Commander, United States Naval Reserve 1987-2005 and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Battle E Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Southwest Asian Campaign Ribbon with Two Stars, Operation Desert Shield - Desert Storm 1990-1991, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Saudi Government, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Kuwaiti Government, Nominated for Navy Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged in July 2005.

Dr. Farris’ professional career included a strong commitment to medical education. He was an Assistant Clinical Professor of medicine at Tulane’s Department of Orthopedics and a medical instructor at Tulane Medical School Department of Community of Health.

Upon retiring from orthopedics, Phil wasted no time in retirement and enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY to further hone his already wonderful skills in cooking. He was passionate about food and sharing with others. For the past eight years, Phil wrote a monthly column in the “Marsh and Bayou” magazine, sharing new and unique recipes he originated using wild game and seafood. Both he and his wife, Laura, traveled extensively, cooked together, skied, and camped throughout the US while visiting National Parks. Phil was an avid game hunter and fisherman. Phil and Laura’s travels often included their two little Westie pups.

More than anything in life, Phil cherished his time with his family. His greatest pleasures were cooking, celebrating, and surrounding himself with the people he loved most: his wife, family and good friends. He will be missed.

Phil is pre-deceased by his father, Thomas Farris; his mother Joy Haeuser; and his sister, Lisa Farris.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 19 from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 5800 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace Lutheran Church or Second Harvest Food Bank, 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123.

There will be a private interment at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

To view and sign the guestbook, please visit www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com