On Wednesday, October 31, 2012, Denver Altman Farley entered the Kingdom of Heaven.
Born on March 9, 1934, in Cash, Arkansas, he was the youngest of the four children of Andrew and Elizabeth Conley Farley. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, Wyandotte, Michigan, in 1952. He was called to the ministry and in 1954 began his studies at Florida Christian College in Temple Terrace, Florida.
On Thanksgiving Day, 1954, while visiting at Georgia Christian School in Dasher, Georgia, he met Bernice Louise Horton, daughter of L.V. and Ruth Horton of Valdosta, Georgia. They were married on July 1, 1955, and returned to Temple Terrace until Denver graduated in 1956.
From 1955 to 1972, with Bernice at his side, Denver served as the minister of churches of Christ in Mango and Cortez, Florida, at the old Union Church in Lowndes County, Georgia, in Baxter, Tennessee, Baltimore, Maryland, Acworth, Georgia, Cordele and Tifton, Georgia, Leesburg, Florida, and Holly Hill, Florida. Throughout those years he conducted numerous Gospel meetings in places such as Michigan and Maryland, and throughout the Southeast.
By 1969, they were parents to four children. From 1972 to 1984, the family settled in Valdosta, Georgia. While there, Denver became a top sales representative for PYA/Monarch Foods but also found time to serve at Gonwood Church of Christ as an interim minister. In 1984, they moved to Bernice's hometown of McMinnville, Tennessee where they shared their home with Bernice's parents. For the next 26 years, Denver utilized his ministerial background and sales skills to become a successful independent insurance agent. He also served as the full-time minister to two congregations in the area and was a dedicated Meals-on-Wheels volunteer for over a decade. In 2010, Denver and Bernice returned to the Valdosta area to live near their oldest daughter.
In whatever role Denver Farley found himself – husband, father, son, son-in-law, minister, friend – he always brought a kind heart, a helping hand, a listening ear, and wise counsel. He was a seeker and a thinker, constantly plying the depths of theological issues in search of a deeper understanding of the Gospel truth. He had a special ability of bringing the Word of God to the layman so it could be understood and followed. During his ministerial career, he preached well over 3, 000 sermons and led hundreds of lost souls to the Christian life.
As a husband and father he had no equal. His influence on his children is lifelong. He was deeply loved and admired and will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Bernice, daughters and sons-in-law Andrea F. and H. Edward Fussell (Lake Park, Georgia), Laura F. and H. Hoyt Haynie (Peachtree City, Georgia), sons and daughters-in-law Mason L. and Marlene Farley (Bardstown, Kentucky), and Paul W. and Brittnye Farley (Adams, Tennesee), and sisters Evelyn F. Buchanan and Barbara F. Buchanan. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Douglas L. Farley. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Comfort Keepers of Valdosta and his special caregiver, Tiondra, who spent many hours seeing to his comfort and health. We also thank the dedicated Wing A staff at Lake Haven Nursing Home, and the staff at United Hospice, for the excellent care they provided.
A private service was held November 4th at Dasher Cemetery, Dasher, Georgia. Carson McLane Funeral Home handled the arrangements. If you are so moved, please consider a donation to the following organization in memory of Denver Farley: Raintree Village Childrens Home, 3757 Johnston Road, Valdosta, Georgia 31601 or go to www.raintreevillage.org for online giving. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.
Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602
Dasher Cemetery
Dasher Cemetery
Carson McLane Funeral Home
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