James F. Farris

James Franklin “Frank” Farris, 86, of Victoria, TX, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021, from complications from a bout with COVID-19. Frank was born March 22, 1934 to Jesse James and Mamie Lee Long Farris. Frank grew up in the country around Mercury, TX in his family of 8 siblings and graduated from Rochelle HS where he played football. Frank joined the U.S. Navy upon graduation and served his country honorably, while learning the trade of pipefitting that would serve him well in his life-long career as a welder. After his discharge, he worked first in Colorado City where he met and married Billie. Frank and his young family moved from Colorado City to Port Lavaca 60 years ago to work for Union Carbide as a welder and management, where he retired decades later.

Frank and his wife, Billie, together enjoyed their ranch in Mission Valley, where he loved raising cattle, keeping the ranch running smoothly, and hunting on the property. He was an avid reader and also enjoyed playing his guitar. He genuinely loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and eventually his great grandchildren. Frank enjoyed being surrounded by family and the laughter that accompanied every gathering. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Billie Rae Kincannon Farris. Frank is survived by his wife, Janice Slusher Ziegler Farris; daughters: Linda (husband Larry) Winters of Mission Valley and Carla (husband Don) Garrett of Weatherford, step-children: Susan Appelt (fiancée Dan Conley) and Bruce (wife Christine) Ziegler ; grandchildren: Lacie (husband Trey) Pitchford of Brock; Curtis Peterschmidt of Los Angeles, CA; Lindsey Boucher of Mission Valley; and Danessa (husband Nick) Gray of Weatherford; and great-grandchildren: Kannon and Braden Pitchford; Lilah, Cohen, and Cullen Boucher; and Londyn and Luke Gray, plus 6 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren..

There will be a private family burial on Thursday, February 18, at Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will host a memorial celebration of Frank’s life later in the year.

Memorials (where many of Frank’s Farris/Long family members are buried) may be made to the Cowboy Cemetery Association c/o Karen Fair P O Box 552; Brownwood, TX 76804.

Words of comfort may be shared at: www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com