Kevin Lee Farris

Kevin Farris peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 1st, 2024. Kevin was a man whose legacy is marked by love, dedication, and joy. Kevin was born in Hammond, Indiana, and the Farris family moved to various states during his childhood, but he always considered Savannah, Georgia, and Dunnellon, Florida, to be home. Kevin graduated from Dunnellon High School and continued his education at the University of Florida, where he earned his AA degree. His career spanned many years in the nuclear industry, including significant contributions at the Crystal River Nuclear plant and various other plants nationwide. Kevin's most recent role was as a Maintenance Supervisor for Duke Energy, at the Crystal River Nuclear site, where his expertise and leadership were highly valued. While Kevin was working at the Nuclear site, he was also a part owner in the Dunnellon ACE Hardware Store, which his children continue to own and operate today.

Kevin's greatest joy was his family, especially the cherished moments spent with his grandchildren. He was a loving husband to Wendy Woodruff, a loving father to Kristopher (Kelly Marie) Farris and Kelley Ann (Joey) Fowler, and a proud grandfather to Nolan, Sydney, and Lani. His extended family, including stepchildren Ryan Korbely and Robert Dehn, and a large loving family including his sisters Vicki Lynn (Leonard)Tolbert, Wendy Joy (Albert) Smith, sister-in-law Joni Farris, and extended family members Sherilyn Farris and Patricia Farris Hall. He was most proud of his 26 nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, including the most recent addition to the family grandniece Kamryn.

Thanksgiving was a special time for Kevin, who delighted in hosting the holiday dinner. He was known for his meticulous preparation of the turkey, at least five pounds of mashed potatoes (no lumps) smothered in butter, and ensuring there were always at least nine loaves of bread and five pies. The more people who attended, the happier he was, as he cherished the presence of family and friends around the dinner table.

Kevin had a love for lottery scratch-off tickets, lotto tickets, and playing the Wheel of Fortune slot machines in Biloxi and Las Vegas with his brothers Michael and Roger. These adventures, filled with small fortunes won and lost, created lasting memories and tall tales shared with laughter at family gatherings.

Kevin was a caring and generous man, and would always be the first to offer his help to anyone in need, whether it be his time, his labor, or his home.

A celebration of Kevin's life will be held at 2 p.m. on September 14th at the Crystal Oaks Community Center at 4958 W. Crystal Oaks Dr., Lecanto, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital or the Shriners Hospital for Children, two of Kevin's favorite charities.

Kevin's wisdom, southern gentleman charm, and words of advice and encouragement live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer with us, his presence is felt every day, and his spirit continues to inspire us. Let us honor Kevin's life by remembering the love, laughter, and joy he brought into our lives.