Edgar Gene Farris

On October 25, 2023 we lost a cherished husband, caring father, beloved Opa and a true warrior, Sergeant Major (Ret.) Edgar Gene Farris, U.S. Army. Born in LaFollette, Tennessee on March 11, 1938 to Vivian and Claude Edgar Farris (U.S. Navy), Ed’s life was defined by family, honor, discipline and unwavering commitment to his country. Ed served our nation with distinction and bravery for 30 years, leaving an indelible mark on our nation’s military history. Proudly serving with the First Calvary Division in Germany, France and later in the Vietnam War, he exemplified the highest ideals of military service, demonstrating extraordinary leadership, integrity and a steadfast dedication to duty.

Ed’s life was marked not only by military achievements but also enriched by a loving family. Alongside his devoted wife of 65 years, Margot, he built a life filled with love, generosity, resilience and the shared purpose of nurturing their family. Together, they raised four remarkable children – Ellen, Carolyn, Charles (Emily) and Jacqueline (Richard Schwartz) and seven grandchildren – Soraya (Adam Budgor), Elissa (Avery Bernard), Harrison, Griffin, Ana, Thayer and Marin – who stand as pillars of his legacy, embodying the strength and values he upheld.

Ed’s life outside the uniform was characterized by simplicity, a love for the outdoors and a penchant for many talents. His birthdays were celebrated with his favorite store-bought Boston cream pies, and he politely declined a retirement parade to commemorate his three distinguished decades of active duty military service. He preferred the quiet surroundings of his home to the hustle and bustle of the city. He took pride in maintaining his home, scaling a 28-foot ladder well into his seventies to hang the outdoor Christmas garland and even reminding his wife, Margot, that he needed to mow the lawn several days before his passing. He had a passion for cars and was incredibly handy. He loved tinkering under the hood, taking engines apart and (mostly!) putting them back together again. He was a gifted artist, helping his eldest granddaughter with school projects too numerous to list. Those assignments are treasures now.

An adventurous man, Ed enjoyed traveling with his family to many European countries – Austria, Belgium, England, France, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain. Stateside, the Smoky Mountains were one of Ed’s favorite destinations where he and Margot enjoyed hiking. Ed preferred the rustic cabins to hotels. Even though winter was not Ed’s favorite season, he delighted in taking his family ice skating, skiing and sledding. During the summer, weekends were spent boating on the Chesapeake Bay.

A service to remember and honor Sergeant Major (Ret.) Edgar Gene Farris – cherished husband, loving father and adored Opa – will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home in Bel Air Maryland, on Friday, November 10 from 3-6 P.M., where family and friends will gather to salute his distinguished career and remarkable life. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joan of Arc Church in Aberdeen, Maryland. Ed’s legacy of service and valor will be forever commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery, on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 1:00PM. His memory will forever stand as a beacon of honor and service in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s memory may be made to The SPCA of Anne Arundel County in Annapolis, Maryland.

https://aacspca.org