Bud was a man of many hats (seriously, he had about 100 in his closet). He was a devoted husband, ambitious father, entertaining grandfather, and a highly regarded manager. He was a passionate sports fan, a skilled fisherman, a stealth online shopper, early morning texter, and an avid wildlife watcher (the hummingbirds, deer, and squirrels that frequented the patio were his favorite).
Bud was born on March 10, 1933 in Lexington, Kentucky. He was the youngest son of John Henry Farris and Mary Lee Haverly Farris. As the youngest, he used his special bond with his mother to skirt more than a few well deserved spankings. Bud spent his formative years playing football and basketball for Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky. With a natural athletic ability and a towering height of 6’5’’, he was fierce competition for any opponent. After high school, Bud attended the University of Kentucky for a short period of time but then decided he was better suited to serve his country.
At age 19, Bud joined the US Navy on April 1, 1952. He served in active duty for four years on various aircraft carriers, completing the majority of his duty on the USS Yorktown. Bud excelled as a member of the US Navy traveling basketball team (much to his knee’s dismay). He continued his service to the Navy as a reservist for four more years. While serving in active duty he received the following commendations: Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, China Service Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal.
After boot camp, Bud met Lenora Rahn in Seattle, Washington. Their lives would never be the same. Lenora was visiting Seattle from her home of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the time. The couple kept in touch over the next four years with periodic letters and eventually reunited during Bud’s shore leave in Bremerton, WA. After a short courtship, Bud and Lenora tied the knot in a small military chapel in Bremerton, WA on July 9, 1955. Much to Bud’s dismay, each of the twenty-five service men that attended the wedding gave Lee a big smooch as they left the chapel. Bud’s parents were shocked that he had married a “fer-ner” sic. foreigner. The couple just recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
In the late 1950’s Bud was hired for an entry level position for IBM in Lexington, Kentucky. He trained for IBM in Kingston, New York for a short period of time and was then invited to move to Austin, Texas to assist in the opening of the new IBM plant. Bud worked his way up through the ranks and served in several management positions while in Austin. He was best known for practicing his most important presentations with a six pack of beer and his loyal friend, Wilbur the pig. Later in life, Bud had the opportunity to return to college and participate in an accelerated degree program at St. Edward’s University. Two of his grandchildren, Brittany and Elliott Clapper, followed in his footsteps and received their education at St. Edward’s as well.
Bud appreciated spending time with his daughter Kim, swimming and fishing with his son Rodney, and raising chickens and bunnies with his daughter Tina. The entire family shared a love of horses and enjoyed riding them on the weekends. Bud served as a strong mentor and example for his children. Kim shared Bud’s generous heart and grew up to house and care for many foster children. Rodney and Tina both accredit Bud’s incredible work ethic and never take no for an answer attitude to their own professional success.
At the age of 57, Bud retired from his career at IBM. He was fortunate enough to spend the next twenty-six years relaxing on “Farris Hill”. Bud swam daily, tried his hand at Bingo, cared for any animal that found its way up Farris Hill. He enjoyed snacking on the daily special at Jim’s, macaroni and cheese, piggies in a blanket, and of course, P. Terry’s chocolate milkshakes. Bud enjoyed spreading his love of food with everyone; for many years, any overnight guest at Farris Hill received a complimentary McDonald’s breakfast upon awakening (yes, that meant Meemaw received her Cinna-melt and decaf senior coffee daily).
Above all else, Bud – now dubbed “Pops” – treasured spending his retirement time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching Wesley how to fish and drive, loved hearing Kristina sing, excitedly cheered for Kasey at her softball games, and proudly watched Miguel learn to swim laps in the pool. Pops was always happy to tinker with the latest and greatest iPhone, iPad, or Laptop with Elliott and to drink daily chocolate milkshakes with Brittany. Lily, his Chihuahua, faithfully stood -- or rather, snoozed by Pops’ side (and may have been given some extra human food while doing so).
Over the years, Bud conquered various health issues with his family by his side. He and son-in-law, Alan became close comrades while trekking the road to various medical appointments. Unfortunately, Bud lost a hard-fought battle with lung cancer on February 5, 2016.
He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, and two grandchildren, Christopher Standridge and Jonathan Standridge. Bud will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Lenora Farris; children, Kim Standridge (husband Alan), Rodney Farris, and Tina Farris (husband Brian Clapper); six grandchildren, Kristina Miranda (husband Justin), Wesley Farris, Kasey Wells (husband Curtis), Brittany Clapper, Elliott Clapper, and Miguel Standridge; and one great-grandchild, Kylie Ava Wells.
The family will receive friends from Noon to 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home with a Celebration of Bud’s Life to follow at 1:00 P.M. officiated by Wayne Scheer. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.
Heartfelt thanks extended to all relatives and friends for their prayers and support during this time.
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