Philip Alan Farley, was born January 7, 1933, in Beloit, Kansas, and passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home October 20, 2018. His parents were John Alonzo Farley and Lenah Whitehead Farley, and his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in his youth. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Judy Belcher, his wife Jean Farley, his son Patrick Farley, and his granddaughter Michelle Sims. He is survived by daughters Shari Sims and Kathy Leach, grandchildren Matthew Leach, Taylor Sims, and Sarah Sims, and great granddaughters Kaliska Leach and Lillian Leach.
Phil received his Bachelor’s Degree from Rockhurst College after being honorably discharged from the Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He went on to work for Sinclair Oil Company and then for Lincoln-Mercury, which led to a job transfer to Carrollton, Texas, in 1963; there he worked as a Zone Manager while his three children were growing up. In 1972, he bought Drive Way Auto Parts in Old Downtown Carrollton, a business which re-built alternators, starters, and generators.
He continued at Drive Way for a number of years until his love of learning led him to go back to school at the University of Texas at Dallas where he earned his MBA. Further, he earned the IRS Enrolled Agent status and went on to work as a tax preparer and consultant at Sims & Sims, CPAs. After many years, the firm was sold, and he was retained as a tax preparer with Trusted Tax. He recently retired at the age of 85.
Phil loved traveling with his beloved wife of 62 years, Jean, and being with his family. He was an active member of First Christian Church in Carrollton where he served in multiple leadership roles, led the same adult Bible study Sunday School class for over 50 years, and was honored as an Elder Emeritus. He also valued the civic service and relationships built during his years-long involvement with the Carrolton Farmers Branch Rotary Club, having served as president of the organization.
Phil will be missed greatly by his family who has always admired his quiet style of leadership, love of learning, and his humility. As with his beloved wife, Jean, the community has lost a great friend and civic servant.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 6, at First Christian Church, 1835 Walnut Avenue, Carrollton, Texas. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in his memory to this church in which he was a long-time active member.
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