Col. Robert Pennington Farmer

Col. Robert Pennington Farmer, age 91 of Glen St. Mary, Florida departed this life Saturday, July 31, 2021 while under hospice care. His battles with serious health issues in recent years showed his unwavering courage in facing challenges with dignity and a smile. Despite the pain, Bob stayed strong until the end. It’s now time for him to rest and to allow those of us left to reflect on a life well lived.

Bob was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to parents Robert L. Jr. and Cora Sue (Ashley) Farmer on June 5, 1930. He grew up in Chattanooga, where he was a two-time Golden Gloves boxing champion. He obtained degrees from the University of Tennessee and the University of Georgia; was the president of the UT Singers; a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity; all while working forty hours a week and courting his future bride. Bob was a veteran with thirty-five years’ service in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Colonel. A devoted husband and father, Bob was a superb landscape architect who did much to beautify many of the public spaces in and around the Chattanooga area. With a wink and good humor, he also freely gave advice and suggestions to countless friends and neighbors not blessed with green thumbs who came to him in desperation about their aphids, chickweed, or fungus. In his later years, he was a member of First Christian Church in Macclenny.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Bettye of Glen St. Mary; son: Robert “Bob” (Lottie) of Glen St. Mary; grandsons: Robert (Kaila) of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Logan (Liz) of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Ed (Cassidy) of Jacksonville, Florida;

We’re so thankful that such a strong, generous, and loving man was a part of our lives for so many years. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee, where full military honors will be rendered.

Hawke M.T. Forbes and H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home are honored to assist the Farmer family with the arrangements. “With Your Family In Mind”. (904) 259-4600. Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net.

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