Robert Mote Farnham
Robert M. Farnham, (a.k.a. “R.M.”,”Bob”, and “Red” due to the color of his hair) was born in Harriman on Aug. 15, 1920. He died July 21 at Methodist Memorial Hospital in Oak Ridge.
He graduated from Harriman High School in 1939, and he attended Lincoln Memorial University and the University of Tennessee.
He married Ada Katherine Davis in 1943, and they enjoyed 70 wonderful years together, living mostly here in Oak Ridge. They have enjoyed everyday life, traveling and gardening together.
Bob Farnham was a man of strong faith and a very active member of First Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, Keenagers president, and choir member. He has done extensive volunteer work over the years in various areas of the community.
R.M. Farnham was in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942-1946, receiving his commission as a Lieutenant from Yale University, and served the Air Transport Command of the Air Corps during the North Africa Campaign of World War II.
R.M. Farnham was a mechanical engineer (California register PE and SME certified manufacturing engineer.) He worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, directing the Central Machine Shop, and became the head of the Fabrication Department there. He retired in 1986. He also was a very active member of the ORNL Federal Credit Union, serving them for more than 40 years in many different capacities, holding the various titles of director, president, chairman of the board, etc.
He was preceded in death by his parents, T. C. Farnham and Alma Mote Farnham of Harriman; his siblings Elizabeth (“Boo”), Hilda (“Happy”) F. Moss, T.C, Jr. (“Bud”), John Farnham, and Madge F. Shelley; and his sons, Robert Mike Davis Farnham and David Patrick Farnham.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ada, and his daughter Rebecca Farnham, his son-in-law Reggie Holleman and children Laurie Holland and Jason Holleman; and his granddaughter, Adrian Flory (husband Mike Flory and great-granddaughter Aurora), and grandson David Ross Haden.
Robert Farnham was a caring, easy-going, encouraging, supportive person with a good sense of humor. Everyone was a friend to him, and he enjoyed being with friends and family. He was always smiling. He was humble, was someone others could count on, and in his own usually quiet way, contributed positively to whatever was going on. He loved and appreciated others, and we loved and appreciated him. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider making a donation to your choice of the following:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, 1101 Kermit Drive Suite 605, Nashville, TN 37217, call (615) 361-6608 or fax (615) 361-6698
- American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718
The family will receive friends Thursday, June 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary at 7 p.m. with Dr. Tim Borchert officiating. The graveside service will be held in Rose Hill, Va., at the Silver Leaf Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m.
An online guest book may be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
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