John Gavin Farmer, 74, passed away on January 2, 2013 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side.

Born on June 12, 1938 in Kenansville, N.C., to Moses Farmer and Laura Moore Gavin Farmer, he grew up in Garner, N.C. After attending and playing football for two years at Chowan College in Murfreesboro, N.C., he transferred to N.C. State where he earned a degree in animal husbandry. Ultimately, he served as manager for the FCX agriculture supply stores at numerous locations throughout eastern North Carolina for more than 20 years. After retiring from FCX, he served as a substitute teacher in Lee and Harnett Counties for more than a decade. He spoke so fondly of the impact he had on the youth with whom he interacted. A poet and practical philosopher who saw the beauty in simple, everyday life, he published a collection of his works entitled , “For the Funnybone and the Heart.” Folks throughout eastern North Carolina heard many of his lighthearted tales and touching vignettes at events ranging from church socials to corporate gatherings. He also shared many of his works with customers and passers-by at the State Farmers Market as he sold his precious sweet corn during the summer months. Always admiring nature and speaking of the importance of man‘s connection with it, he loved pine trees, the sound of beagles on a rabbit’s trail, and the sight of a red fox in a frosty pasture. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Moses Grady Farmer.

Mr. Farmer is survived by his wife of 56 years, Della King Farmer, their seven children, Robert Farmer of Lillington, Randall Farmer and Rodney Farmer both of Broadway, Rhonda Farmer Malone and her husband Don Malone of Winston-Salem, Laura Farmer of the home, Moses Thomas Farmer and his wife Melanie Farmer of Lillington, and Laurance David Farmer and his wife Traci Farmer of New Bern; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, George Farmer of Greensboro and Laurance Farmer of Garner.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you commit a random act of kindness and “Do Good because Good is Good.”

A funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 5 at Holly Springs Baptist Church, Broadway with Rev. Jerry Parsons and Rev. Barry Barbour officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites was in the church cemetery. The family received friends on January 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Multipurpose Building.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home.

Online condolences at www.oquinnpeebles.com.