Ray E Farris, 82, of Fairfield, passed away at 12:45am on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Oakview Nursing & Rehab Center in Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
Ray was born to George and Alice (McKitrick) Farris in Lisbon, IA on April 29, 1941. He was an entrepreneur throughout his adult life. He had a passion for helping people, and he was able to do that in various fields.
As a young child, Ray’s family moved to Fairfield, IL. He met his wife, Doris “Faye” Smith, in 1961. They married on July 24, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Albion, IL.
Ray wore many titles: husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, great-great grandpa, brother, son, and friend. He had six children – Jacque Wade, Georgiana Fletcher, Ray Farris, Sharon Benskin, Celeste Garrett, and James Farris
Ray was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia about 10 years ago. During those 10 years, his family saw many changes in his demeanor as well as physical changes. He became a very affectionate person that showed great love for his wife of 62 years, Faye. He loved babies, he enjoyed his family, and he loved music. His favorite song was “I want to stroll over Heaven with You” by Alan Jackson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Doris “Faye” (Smith) Farris, four daughters Jacque Wade, Georgiana (JB) Fletcher, Sharon (Gregg) Benskin, and Celeste (Joey) Garrett all of Fairfield, two sons Ray (Tina) Farris of Fayetteville, TN and James Farris of Guthrie, KY, 18 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren plus their spouses, a sister Cleda (Raymond) Rinkenberger of Mackinaw, IL, a brother-in-law Elmore Withrow of Sims, IL, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and their spouses Carl (Mary) Farris, Richard (Barbara) Farris, Marion (Marilyn) Farris, and Benny Farris, his sister Lucinda Withrow, a daughter-in-law, Valerie Farris, his grandson, Shaun Dunn, and a great granddaughter, Libertie Dietrick.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm on Friday, September 29th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Buckeye Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Association and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome
