Thomas L. Farris

T.L. Farris was born in Joaquin, Texas on March 16, 1935 to Thomas L and Dossie R. Farris. In 1942, Buddy moved to Houston with his parents and 3 sisters. Growing up on the East Side, he and his family attended East End Pentecostal Church where he met his future wife. He joined the Army, served during the Korean War, serving in Japan. In 1956 he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Upon his return home, he found his youngest sisters' childhood friend had become a lovely young woman. He couldn't help but fall in love. At 22 he married his true love, Sandra Pate.

He was a hard worker starting at 7 years of age, he always found work starting with Duncan YoYo's doing tricks, the neighborhood grocery store stocking shelves, to beginning his career with Dinwiddle Distributing Service as a Truck Driver working his way up to President and General Manager. Finally, being able to purchase his own business, Farris Shell, Inc., a full service service station including mechanic services and convenience store located in Pasadena, Texas.

As devoted parents to Michael Keith and Sheryl Kay, they made a home in Spring, Texas. The family took many summer and winter vacations from Mexico to New York and many locations in between.

Once Michael and Sheryl left home, they moved to Pasadena, making the commute to work easier.

He was blessed with an early retirement, which allowed more travel and they caught the "Cruise Bug." They enjoyed many cruises with family and friends, with their favorite being their Alaskan Cruise they shared with Michael and Vickie. They shared their love for cruising with Richard, Ettie Ruth, and Randy.

They were also dedicated grandparents to Stephanie, Courtney, and Heather. As Papaw and Mamaw they spoiled them rotten.

They moved to Kingwood to be closer to church, family, and friends. They became "greater" as they became Great-Grandparents to Dory, Allison, Hayden, Raymond Luke, and Lillian.

In 2010, Sheryl married Glen, and the family grew again, he became Papaw to Grant, Yasmin, Allison, Logan, and Hailey.

In 2013, after much prodding, they moved next door to Sheryl and Glen in Crosby. They loved the quietness of Crosby and dinner with family every night.

Unexpectedly, Sandra passed away 7 months later on their 57th wedding anniversary. This left him heartbroken. He spent his last year devoted to his Lord and Savior and having fond memories of his true love, Sandra. He passed away peacefully in his home with his daughter by his side. He will be greatly missed.