John Wesley Farris

The story of an amazing man. John Wesley Farris John Wesley Farris was born on September 1, 1957 in Jacksonville, Illinois to the late John W. Houston. & Alice M. Farris. He was the youngest of 7 children. John graduated from Bunker Hill High School Class of 1974. He moved to Atlanta Georgia in 1978. In 1980 he went to Police academy and he had his son Talos Farris. In August 1981 he joined the Fulton County Police Department. During that same time, he joined the Army reserves. Many years later he was hurt on the job and had to be medically discharged and retired from the Police Department and the Army. Talos later followed in his fathers’ military footsteps and joined the military (Navy) himself. John married his wife Joyce Gardner on June 12, 1993. With that matrimony came a bouncing toddler named Jaccinnia. John and Joyce were married 25 years. After leaving the police department and Army John went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Georgia State University in 1995. He then started working at the DeKalb County child and adolescent medial health outpatient and community support services. Once leaving there John worked at Avis for a few years. He at that point settled in at Viewpoint Health he was delighted in working there without a doubt. John was loved by many for his odd sense of humor and selflessness. Everyone who has ever met him often says he is the nicest, most genuine guy they have ever met. John loved all music, NPR, and most sports with basketball being his favorite. He ultimately loved what we will call antiquing which really was his adoration for thrift stores and Flea markets. In 2000 he got his first granddaughter Kharrizma from Talos and Shanell. With his son being in the military he didn’t get to spend as much time with her until these past few years. When he was asked about it, he would say he was overjoyed with getting to spend so much time with her. John was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer in April 2018. He tried his best to keep to his normal routine as much as possible. In September he went to Illinois to see his family. When he returned to Atlanta, he went to live at his son’s house where he stayed until he found the Lord. He stayed there to help keep him regulated to try chemo again. During this time, he spent many hours with Shanell, Talos, Kharrizma, Jacinnia, and his niece Elizabeth. His sister Patricia and brother Steve even made their way to Atlanta to spend some time with him. Many family members came by to see him during this time. He also talked to his siblings daily sometimes multiple times a day. He spent his last days listening to the bible through James Earl Jones voice which he loved very much. During one of their many long talks John asked Shanell to make sure people knew he gave this life his best. He gave it all he had. Obituary John W. Farris, age 62, passed away gently on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at his sons’ home. He was born September 1, 1957, in Jacksonville Illinois to the late John W. Houston. & Alice M. Farris. Grandparents were the late Clarence and Ida Farris. He graduated in 1974 from Bunker Hill High School. He moved to Atlanta Georgia in 1978. Where he joined the Fulton police department and the Army reserves. He married his wife Joyce Gardener in 1993. In the wake of being medically discharged and retired from both the Police department and Army he went on to Georgia State University and got his bachelor’s in Social Work in 1995. He at that point proceeded to work with DeKalb Youth. He completed his days working at Viewpoint Health which he loved without question. John leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Joyce Farris, his two children son Talos Farris (spouse Shanell), daughter Jacinnia Gardner, granddaughters Kharrizma and Aniya. Siblings Phyllis Farris, Patricia Houston-Smith (husband James), Steven Houston, and Shirley Trumbo. He was preceded in death by two sisters Diane Smith and Sandra White. He had dozens of nieces and nephews that adored him. Those who would like to celebrate Johns life are welcome to join the family at Gregory B Levett & Sons Funeral Homes at 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA 30034, on February 9, 2019 at 11am for a service followed by a brunch. Johns only wishes were that everyone comes “Dressed to the nines” to this celebration of his life. He also wanted everyone to know that he gave this life his best.

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John Wesley Farris

September 1, 1957 - January 19, 2019