Marvin Kelly \"Pa\" Farris, 79, of Athens, died Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Life Care Center of Athens.

A resident of Athens for most of his life, he was a son of the late Horace Marvin and Nelle Grubb Farris, and was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith Hayes Farris, on Jan. 29, 1996; and his second wife, Phyllis Quisenberry Farris, on June 4, 2008.

A member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, he graduated with a degree in criminal justice from Cleveland State Community College. He was a former employee of Brushy Mountain Prison and Bowater Southern Paper Corporation. He was a criminal court reporter for McMinn County and surrounding areas, a criminal investigator for the District Attorney, 24th Judicial Circuit, which includes McMinn, Monroe, Bradley and Polk counties, and was a detective lieutenant for the McMinn County Sheriff\'s Department. He was a former airport manager for McMinn Flying Service, Inc.

A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, he retired from the U.S. Army as Chief Warrant Officer, with more than 30 years of service. He served as Chief Pilot for three division commanders and helicopter pilot instructor at Ft. Rucker in Alabama.

A member of Meridian Sun Lodge No. 50 F&AM, he was past president of the Chilhowee Shrine Club, a member of Alhambra Shrine Temple and Scottish Rite, and was Past Worthy Patron of McMinn Chapter 159 Order of Eastern Star. He was a member of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, National Guard Associations of Tennessee and the United States and International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Joe Noble of Athens; one granddaughter, Amy Noble of Athens; and his beloved dog, \"Katy.\"

Special thanks to all the employees of Life Care Center, who so lovingly cared for him.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Hubble officiating. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at McMinn Memory Gardens with full military honors.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com