Michael “Mike” Ray Farmer Sr. passed away at the age of 74, at his home surrounded by family in Folkston, on Nov. 17, 2021. His battle with cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, he was a hero and stayed strong until the end.
Mike was born Aug. 4, 1947, in Wheatcroft, Kentucky, to the late William Everette and Ila Mae Farmer. In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by several step brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debra Vincent Farmer; his sister, Geraldine Farmer Kestner; children, Michael (Shelby) Farmer and Christopher (Sharena) Farmer; seven grandchildren, Christona Farmer, Tyler Kidd, Marley Farmer, Maylee Farmer, Brayden Kidd, Liam Farmer and Russell Farmer, all of Folkston, and his four-legged best friend, Lucy.
Mike was a veteran who served in the Vietnam War. From 1966-1970 he served in the United States Marine Corps in Japan. In 1970 he attended the United States Army Flight School, where he graduated and became an aviation chief warrant officer from 1971-1973 in Vietnam.
Mike spent most of his life self-employed and the owner of Mike Farmer Construction and Consolidated Services and Home Inspections after the war, owning his own construction business and helped bring people's home dreams to life. Mike’s life was his kids. He taught them life lessons like being good fathers and providing for their family. In addition to being a great father he was the world’s best Popa! Mike loved his grandchildren more than life itself. Anything they wanted, they got. He always had a variety of fruit and candy, and was constantly trying to make their lives full. He enjoyed yard work, tending to his flowers, spending time with his family and dog, Lucy, and watching Westerns. He was a humble, caring, giving and honest man who would give you the shirt off his back. He never met a stranger, stood up for what was right and always had a smile on his face.
Mike will be honored in a celebration of life service with military honors on Nov. 27, at Rehoboth Christian Fellowship Church starting at 10 a.m. Memorialization will be by cremation. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and prayers they have felt and received during this time. While our hearts are hurting, our souls are rejoicing knowing we will be with our husband, father and grandfather again!