Richard Douglas Farris

Richard Douglas Farris, “Rich,” passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021. He was 69 years old. Born September 11, 1951, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to Charles Preston Farris and Patricia Estelle Farris who preceded Rich in death, along with his brother, Chuck and sisters, Judy and Laverne. Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (nee Kennedy); dear brother to Kenneth (Leila), Darlene, Pat, and Sheri (Greg Chamblee); loving uncle to many nieces and nephews; dearest father of Sean (Paola); Paul (Joan), children: Grace, Aislin, Finn; Kimberly, children: Connor, Caleb, Cullen, Charlee, Addison, Ronan, Brennan; Kevin (Rachel), children: Aubrey, Cora. Affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, he was devoted to each of them. Papa will forever be their role model as the best grandfather, husband, father, brother and Christian.

Rich and his beloved wife, Margaret, residents of Middleburg for more than twenty-seven years, met in Margaret’s native town, Derry, Ireland, and were married March 3, 1973, in Falls Church, Virginia. A Naval Radioman Chief Petty Officer, Rich, traveled the world with Margaret while their family grew. Sean and Paul were born in Derry, Ireland; Kimberly, in Exmouth, Western Australia, and Kevin in Orange Park, Florida.

After a 24-year Navy career, Rich advanced his profession as a leadership educator for the Navy and later for Franklin Covey.

A true evangelist, Rich was a leader at St. Luke’s Parish, where he was actively involved in the Youth Group, Eucharistic Adoration, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Apologetics, and Fraternus. He was a Knight of Columbus and served as altar server, lector and usher during daily Masses. Rich seized every opportunity to share the Word of God.

Rich exemplified God’s love. Those he leaves behind will strive to walk in his footsteps.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in memory of Rich to the St. Luke’s Youth Ministry, 1606 Blanding Blvd, Middleburg, FL 32068.

Visitation with the Rosary will be Wednesday, September 8th, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hardage – Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Rd., Middleburg, Florida.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass Thursday, September 9th, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1606 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg, Florida. To view the livestream visit https://stlukesparish.org.

The Rite of Committal and Burial will be Friday, September 10th at 10:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, Florida, with a rendering of Full Military Honors.

Please post words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.