James Lester (J.L.) "Sonny" Farner, Jr

JAMES LESTER (J. L. "SONNY") FARNER, JR.,  age 84 of Athens, Tenn. passed away Sunday,  January 3, 2021, at the Lantern in Ooltewah, Tenn. He was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, Tenn., a son of the late James Lester Farner, Sr., and Della McKeehan Farner, and preceded in death by his wife: Helen Christine Oliver Farner, , Brother: G. W. Farner, Three Sisters: Billie Lingerfelt, Geraldine Woods, and Ross Ann Newman. He retired after 40 years of service from Webb Cabinet Shop and was a member of Marshall Hill Baptist Church. Sonny was an avid outdoor person.
Survivors: Daughter and son-in-law: Mitzi and Lynn Barker of Ooltewah,  Tn., Two Granddaughters and Husbands: Koren and Jack Sapp of Apison, Tn., Jennifer and Jay Merriman of Mt. Pleasant, S. C., Four Great Grandchildren: Dylan Sapp, Eli Sapp, Stella Merriman and Colston Merriman, several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 7, 2021 in McMinn Memory Gardens with Kevin Hudson officiating. Active pallbearers will be Jay Merriman, Jack Sapp, Dylan Sapp, Tom Mullins, Rick Hooper, and Randy McJunkin. COVID guidelines will be followed and masks will be required. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association.  Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbscom/notices/James-Farner. Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.