Born in Manila, Philippine Islands to Bessie White Farley and Lt. Col. Wirt Pamplin Farley on August 6, 1935, he lived with his family in San Francisco, Tacoma, Washington and Abingdon, VA, as his father served in the US Military. He later lived in Battle Creek, Michigan where his father was in charge of the Medical Supply Department at Percy Jones Army Hospital.
Dr. Farley studied forestry at N.C. State University before transferring to and graduating from Davidson College. He later received his Bachelor of Divinity, his Master of Theology and his Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Religion from Union Theological Seminary.
Ben served a one year tenure as Professor of Bible at Lees-McRae College in 1973-1974 after which he taught Bible, Ethics, Philosophy and World Religions at Erskine College, retiring after over 25 years as the Younts Professor of Bible, Philosophy and World Religions, an endowed chair.
Dr. Farley was a Reformation scholar, known for his translations of the works of John Calvin. He published numerous other scholarly books and papers as well as short stories, novels and works of poetry. As a Presbyterian minister, (PCUSA) throughout his teaching career, he was often called upon to assist in pulpits as a stated supply pastor.
There are no words to capture the life exceedingly well-lived by Benjamin Farley. A patriot, a lover of nature, family and the creative muse, he was respected and loved.
Surviving are his wife, Alice Anne G. Farley; his son, John David Farley CPT US Army and his wife, Norma Kirkland Farley and their niece, Georgia Kirkland; his son, Bryan Kirk Farley SPC US Army and his wife, Stephanie Ponder Farley and their children, Cole Ashton Farley (13), Wren Cooper Farley (7), and Anna McKenzie Farley (3). He is also survived by his older brother, Jack White Farley and his wife, Kitty Farley; older sister, Betty Ann Farley Goodrich, niece, Susan Goodrich and her daughters, Jennifer Wood and her husband Ryan and Heather Early and her husband Kent and nephew, Bob Goodrich; younger sister, Marilyn Farley Cowles LTC US Army Ret. and her husband, Kenneth Cowles - W4, US Army, Ret., nieces - Evelyn, Bonnie - Maj. US Army, and Kate - US Army; many great nieces and nephews; and his previous wife, Margaret Shores Dickert and her husband, Eugene Dickert. Also surviving are Alice Anne’s children, Anne Kelly Tromsness and her husband, Jayce and their daughter, Mae Evelene Tromsness and Janey Bailey Colmorgan and her husband, Alex.
He was predeceased by his father, Wirt Pamplin Farley LTC – US Army Ret.; his mother, Bessie Campbell White Farley; nephews, Bruce Goodrich and Kenneth Goodrich; and brother-in-law,Ward Goodrich, Lt., US Navy.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 31, 2018 at Providence Presbyterian Church, 1112 Hummingbird Dr, West Columbia, SC 29169. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo. Interment will be in Knollkreg Memorial Park, Abingdon, VA.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18