Jerome "Jerry" Scott Farrington

Jerome Scott Farrington passed from this life on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Jerry was born in Burkburnett, Texas, on July 7, 1934, to Virgil Mack Farrington and Mary Haynes Smith Farrington. He grew up in Kermit, Texas, where he was a talented basketball player. He attended what was then North Texas State University where he received Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration. In 1957, he married Linda Young. They had been married for 63 years at the time of her death in December of 2020.

Jerry started his business career with a subsidiary of the Texas Utilities Company in 1957 as a customer service representative in Midland, Texas. His role was getting electric service to the burgeoning West Texas oil fields. Over his career, he worked in operations, finance, investor relations and a variety of executive roles. In 1983, he was elected President of Texas Utilities and became Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in 1987. His leadership of the Company was over a period of high growth and positive development.

Well recognized for his leadership skills, Farrington led many industry organizations. He served as chairman of the Edison Electric Institute, the U.S. Council of Energy Awareness and the Nuclear Energy Institute. He was instrumental in creating the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations where he served several years as chairman.

Jerry’s dedication to so many civic and charitable causes was informed by his favorite Bible verse, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me", Matthew 25:40 KJV

His commitment to education, healthcare and social services is notable. He served as Chairman of the Board of the University of North Texas,and Chairman of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. For his work in higher education, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of North Texas.

Jerry’s involvement in healthcare was extensive. He served as a trustee of the Southwestern Medical Foundation, Chairman of Texas Health Resources and Presbyterian Hospital and on the board of the Children’s Medical Foundation. He received the Sprague Community Service Award from the Southwestern Medical Foundation in 2003. Texas Health Dallas Presbyterian Hospital Emergency Care Facility is named in Jerry’s honor.

A consummate civic worker, Farrington chaired the Dallas Citizens Council and served on the boards of the State Fair of Texas, Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Salesmanship Club, Texas Association of Business, CC Young Senior Living and Chambers of Commerce.

A lifelong Methodist, he and Linda were longtime members of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas and later First United Methodist Church Richardson.

Jerry never met a stranger and had a way of lifting the spirit of everyone he encountered. Thoughtful, considerate and generous, he quietly reached out to those less fortunate. A person of exceptional character, he was a positive example to everyone who knew him. He was a devoted husband, a loyal friend to many and a mentor to countless others.

Jerry is survived by his family members: Dwight and Cathy Thompson; Susan Cole; Sarah , Clayton,and Kate Bevers; Robert Heberle; John and Julie Thompson; and Logan Powell.

A memorial service for Jerry and Linda will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 2PM at First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway in Richardson, TX. Memorial gifts may be made to Circle 10 Council of Scouting, Salvation Army Dallas, your local Humane Society, or to a charity of your choice.

May God rest his soul.