Farris Williams

Farris Waltom “Sonny” Williams passed away on October 10, 2021 due to complications from a fall at his home. He was 87 years old. Farris was born near Sulphur Springs in Hopkins County, Texas on December 30, 1933 to Barney Williams (1894-1976) and Doma Barnett Miller (1894-1969). The family lived in the Sulphur Springs area until relocating to Grand Prairie, Texas in 1942. A year after graduating from Grand Prairie High School, class of 1952, Farris joined the Army and served with distinction in the Philadelphia, PA area until his discharge in 1956. While in the Army, Farris married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Rose Cantrell (1935-1999), the ceremony taking place in Elkton, MD. Following his release from the military, Farris and Wanda settled near Duncanville in Dallas County, Texas. The two were happily married until Wanda's death in 1999. Loneliness can be a bitter thing for one with much love to give and so, in 2004, Farris was blessed with a new help-mate, Joan Dorothy McCoy (1929-2014). The two were married and lived in Whitney, TX. Joan passed away in 2014. Following Joan's death, Farris lived out his final days in Richardson, Texas with his daughter Becky. Most of his working career Farris worked as a Maintenance Technician for Collins Radio, Recognition Equipment (REI), Lockheed Martin, and Gardner Denver. He also worked as a driver for J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Farris was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers (Garland, E.C., Oliver, and “Doodle”). Farris is survived by his children: Kenneth Alan Williams (Partner-Jill Marie Staron), Rebecca “Becky” Barnette Vincent, Lisa Kaye Carter Deosaran (Partner-Raymond “Ray” Goodwyn), and Colin Leigh Williams. His grandchildren include: Casey Michael Vincent (wife, Nichole “Niki” Elizabeth Aubain), Jennifer Kelly Laronga (husband, Benjamin “Ben” Robert Laronga), Blake F. Edward Carter (wife, Melissa Jo Correa), Trenton Harold Beaver, Spencer Logan Beaver, and Audra Rose Goodwyn. His great-grandchildren: Kelton Scott Vincent, Declan Rean Vincent, Payton Daniel Laronga, Avery Ryann Laronga, Wells Mercer Laronga, Liam Farris Jose Carter, Valencia Isabel Carter, Maria “Mia” Luisa Carter. Farris is also survived by several step-children: Matthew “Matt” McCoy, Skye Alexander, Laurie Luna, and his step-grandchildren Niah and Asher Woolery. Farris will fondly be remembered as a stoic, a self-taught scholar and a lexicon enthusiast. He had a dry sense of humor and an incredible memory evidenced by his ability to recite family poems that had handed down from his father's side. He will also be remembered for his extensive exploration of historical as well as current events. Even though he liked many music genres, he was enthusiastically partial to Jazz and Western Swing. He will truly be missed. His body was cremated at Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas and his remains interred at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Texas. The memorial service will be on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX 76013 at 1 - 3pm.