Lee Lamont Farris: A Life of Faith, Service, and Quiet Impact
It was very ironic that at our Men of Hope men’s group, Marc Lewis, our dedicated leader, was talking about life and being a strong witness for our faith in Jesus Christ.
Lee Farris
He shared how Lee Farris came to Christ only a few years ago, how Marc baptized him, and how Lee and his wife Carla had joined Hope Fellowship Church. He shared how Lee would pass out those challenge coins to almost everyone he met.
I raised my hand and said, “Marc, y’all know when the last time I saw Lee?” Pastor Kent and Marc responded, “At the Nashville Men’s Conference at Belmont.” I said, “No, I saw him in his casket exactly where you were standing.” I was making the point that life is short and we should use our days to matter to others.
Another twist of irony is that I had called Lee and sent him a text message with a flyer about Smyrna West Alternative School that Felicia had made. That’s how I knew Lee—because Bryan Barrett, station manager of WGNS radio, and I would do a remote radio program from the school.
I had called the school asking if there was anything the school was in need of. Lee thought the flyer looked good. Lee had served on the Tennessee State Board of Alternative Schools and he cared deeply for troubled youth.
Lee Lamont Farris, 59, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026. A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, he was the son of the late Joseph Edward Farris and Doris Lavone Phillips Farris. Lee was also preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Farris.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carla Garner Farris; children Kayla Murphy and her husband Jarred of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jessi Swinehart and her husband Jon, and Alex Farris of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Zeke Farris and Zay Farris, both of Colorado Springs, and Delilah Swinehart of Murfreesboro; and brothers Joe Farris of Greer, South Carolina, Dennis Farris of San Antonio, Texas, Frank Farris of Rineyville, Kentucky, and Jack Farris of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hope Fellowship Church, 1429 Lee Victory Parkway, Smyrna, Tennessee 37167. The funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Kent Shingleton officiating. A graveside service with military honors will take place Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Alex Farris, Jon Swinehart, Zeke Farris, Kendall Morris, Jackie Morris, and Donald Ray McKinney.
Lee was a member of Hope Fellowship Baptist Church, a U.S. Army veteran, and a retired educator. In a few short years of walking with Christ, he left a clear mark—through simple acts of faith like handing out challenge coins, through his steady care for young people who needed a second chance, and through the quiet example of a life submitted to the Lord.
I’ve always been fond of these three scripture verses that speak to the power of trust and unshakable belief in God’s promises:
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Romans 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Lee Farris lived these truths. His days were not long in the faith, but they were full. And in that fullness, he reminded those who knew him that every day is a chance to matter. I will always be grateful for his kindness, friendship and encouragement.
Our world could certainly use more men like Lee Farris in our world today!
