Alvin "Aj" Farris

Alvin Jay "AJ" Farris went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 1, 2019. He was the fourth child born to Gerald Farris and Dorothy Lou McCollough on June 13, 1963. AJ was a graduate of Macclenny High School in Florida. After graduation he went on to join the United States Marine Corps in 1983, where he learned and loved to cook. While in the Marines, AJ met his future - Margaret "Peggy" Elizabeth Ryan. They quickly started a family and moved to Jacksonville after his discharge from the military. AJ then went on to work for Publix Supermarkets in the warehouse and moved up to be a truck driver, which he truly enjoyed and did for the majority of his career that spanned over 20 years until he retired in 2018. He started yet another career later by driving for UPS.

Alvin had several passions in life, first and foremost being his family. He was the glue that held everyone together. AJ's other loves included fishing, followed by kayaking (which allowed him to fish in different places). Alvin was fearless. If he didn't succeed with the first attempt, he would keep trying until he got it right. He loved being on the open road and took several motorcycle trips to Sturgis, and last year, a border trip across the Southern States and up the West Coast. Alvin could always make you laugh, and he always lived his life wide open.

Alvin is survived by his beautiful wife, Peggy; four daughters Ashley Farris of Jacksonville, Colleen (Matthew) Szczepanski of Casselberry, Danielle (Mark) Doctor of Jacksonville, and Alison Farris of Jacksonville; six grandchildren Zooey, Stanley, Max, Ember, Oliver, and Sam; his father Gerald of Oklahoma City; his mother Dorothy of Orange Grove, Texas; his sister Dianne Dunbar of Oklahoma City; brother Robert (Liz) of Dinwiddie, Virginia; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Alvin was preceded in death by both sets of his grandparents and his brother David.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation, or Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

You may leave words of comfort and sympathy at www.HGRiversideFuneralHome.com . HARDAGE-GIDDENS, RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK and FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard is serving the family.