Jackie Dean Farris

Mr. Jack Farris

Jack was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 9, 1932. After briefly attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he then, at a young age, joined the United States Marine Corps, and after basic training, he served in the Korean War. He was extremely proud to be a Marine during his service to his country. He received a Purple Heart, and he was a member of the Purple Heart Club. Returning to the States, he was stationed in Albany, Georgia, where he then met his future wife, Dorothy L. Howard, who was raised in Southwest Georgia. After a lovely courtship, they were married in Albany, Georgia. Later, Dottie was employed by the National Bank of Albany. Jack was a manager of Savelle Jewelers in Albany. They lived in a charming cottage on Peachtree Terrace, just near the old Shackelford home on Dawson Road, known as the “pink elephant” by the local residents.

Their first-born son, Jack Junior (Dean), and later son, James Andrew (Drew), rounded out the happy young family.

Business took the young couple to Asheville, North Carolina, Richmond, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida, in the late 1960s. They relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, first residing in Knollwood Manor and then later Sherwood Forest. Dottie ran the house and raised her two sons. Jack became southeastern United States sales manager of a company out of New York and later became associated with a company out of Los Angeles, California, until he retired at the age of 75. He was a member of the SJTA and was voted president of the 24 Karat Club and was the first president to serve two terms. He loved his work and became personal friends with many of his clients. One of the many loves of his life and work was flying his private Beechcraft Baron twin-engine plane for business trips, which enabled him to be at home at night.

Through good friends and neighbors, the family enjoyed membership at the Pine Brook Country Club, enjoying many years of golf and socializing.

In spite of his dedication to his chosen career, our dear daddy loved people and loved life. He enjoyed special friendships with many of his clients throughout the Southeast. He was a very good husband and father as well. Many wonderful times were spent in the family beach house in South Carolina.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dottie; sons Drew of Winston-Salem and Dean of West Palm Beach, Florida.

He will be interred at Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, North Carolina. Many thanks to the Trellis/Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home and all the medical personnel associated with Novant Health.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations in his honor to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice.