William Clay Farris "Clay"

Full military honor services for William Clay Farris, 91, of Cookeville will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Dyer Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 and on Wednesday from noon until time of the service. Burial will be at the Cunningham Family Cemetery following the service. Clay passed away Saturday, March 23, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 17, 1922 to the late Lemon and Nancy Belle (Cunningham) Farris. He married Lena Mae (Wright) Farris on September 13, 1942 and was happily married for 66 years, until her death on January 27, 2009. Clay, a lifelong resident of Putnam County, was a WWII veteran and was inducted into the United States Army on January, 1943. He was assigned to the 469th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Battery D. He participated in four invasions in the Pacific Theater (Philippines, New Guinea, New Britain and Australia). He was honorably discharged in December, 1945 with the rank of Sergeant. Clay was a lifelong farmer. As a child, he worked alongside his father, Lemon, and they bought pigs throughout the Upper Cumberland region. Upon returning from the war, Clay and his beloved wife, Lena, purchased and managed their own farm, where they raised their four children. In addition, they had all types of livestock, including Registered Polled Hereford cattle and grew crops, including tobacco. In addition, he worked at the Algood Stockyard and the Plateau Livestock Exchange in Crossville. Later, Clay and Lena, along with their children and daughter-in-law operated restaurants at both stockyards for ten years. In addition, Clay served on the ASCS Committee and the Putnam County Fair Board and belonged to the Polled Hereford Association. As a member of the Northeast Church of Christ, Clay served as a Deacon for many years. He was instrumental in spreading the word of God. He talked of the Bible with everyone he met, quoting scriptures and giving encouragement to all. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Linda and Terry Farmer of Chattanooga, Myra and Bob Kernea, Mark and Mary Farris, and Connie and Jim Sircy, all of Cookeville. In addition, he is survived by 9 grandchildren: Matt Farmer and Virginia Farmer, Ty Kernea and Elaine (Joey) Wilson, Mark Clay Farris and Patrick (Amanda) Farris, Joseph (Cathy) Wallace, Sarah (Shane) Williams and Amanda Wallace; 3 step grandchildren: Casey, Shane and Rachel Sircy; 18 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. Further, he is survived by siblings; Fred (Maudie) Farris, Daniel (Rozelle) Farris, Harvey (Wyndoline) Farris, and Irene Agee all of Cookeville and Margaret Maxwell of Detroit, MI; sisters-in-law, Geneva Farris, Mary Edd Farris and Bea Farris of Cookeville, and Louise (Wright) Henry of Sparta; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, including his dear friend, David Hughett of Cookeville. In addition to his parents and his wife, Clay was preceded in death by brothers, Guy, George and Robert Paul Farris, an infant sister, Mary Ellen Farris, brothers-in-law, Don Agee, James Maxwell and Troy Henry, in-laws, Estil and Gladys (Fitzpatrick) Wright, and great-granddaughter, Blakley Nicole Farris. Paul Wilmoth and David Hill will officiate the services. Pallbearers are Tim Cavender, Ernie Cavendar, Derrick Stiles, Steve Hatcher, Greg Strong and Jason Sisco. Honorary pallbearers are Shirley Stamps, David Hughett, Donald Nash, Denny Walker, Doyle and Joe Hensley, and James Irby. Clay’s family would like to thank Dr. Ernest Buchanan and his staff; Gina, Eric, and Merle with Intrepid Home Health; loving caregivers, Justin (great-grandson), Sarah, Lori, Angie, Kathy, Scotty, Courtney, Donna and Vivian. In addition, a special thank you to his grandson, Matt Farmer, for arranging and managing Clay’s care. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Putnam County Archives and Veterans Hall, Tennessee Bible College or a charity of your choice.