Gary Wayne Farris, of Alpharetta, Georgia, passed away on July 3, 2018, at the age of 58.
Born in Tuscumbia, Gary was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, attorney, and friend. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. During his time at the University of Alabama, he served as the Editor-In-Chief of the Alabama Law Review. He began his law career with Burr & Forman in Birmingham before establishing a new branch of the firm in Atlanta. Gary spent over 30 years working as an attorney where he was known for his dedication, work-ethic, and intelligence.
While Gary was devoted to his career, he was also a loving and passionate family-man. His greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. While he earned many accolades throughout his life, his most cherished title was that of “Big Daddy.” Gary enjoyed being with family, watching Alabama football, and cracking open a cold Mountain Dew. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Betty and Gene Farris.
He is survived by his children, Chris Farris, Scott Farris, Emily Payne (Chris), and Amanda Bruce (Chad); grandchildren, Ella Farris, Addison Farris, Olivia Payne, Jackson Payne, James Bruce, and Michael Bruce; and siblings, Patricia Bailey (Steve), John Farris (Nancy), and Sherry Farris.
A memorial event was hosted by family in Tuscumbia on June 21.
The family thanks the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office for their courageous efforts to obtain justice for Gary. In Gary’s memory, donations can be made to the Cherokee County, Georgia, Family Violence Center (https://cfvc.org/donate/).
