Richard S. Farris, Jr.

It has often been quoted that some of our journeys through life makes a complete circle. This statement could be attributed to the life story of Richard Simon Farris, Jr. who was a son, a father, a brother, and a friend.

Affectionately known as "Red", Richard was the only son of Richard Simon Farris, Sr. and Carolyn Freightman Farris and was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, January 17, 1967. As an infant, he became a lifelong member of the catholic faith when he received his holy baptism at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, Pass Christian, MS.

When Richard was just a year old, his family moved to Inglewood, California. He attended St. Raphael Catholic Grammar School, Los Angeles, California, and graduated from St. Bernards Catholic High School, Playa Del Rey California, class of 1985.

Throughout his youth, Richard and his family spent yearly summer visits, and special holidays on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he developed close relationships with extended family members and friends.

Richard enjoyed camping and while growing up, his family along with their neighbors, the Dotson family, visited many of the national parks in the west. To name a few, they traveled to Yellow Stone, Grand Tetons, Sequoia, and Zion. During those visits, Richard always took advantage of the park's activities, such as: going on predawn hikes. However, when he did not tell anyone that he was going hiking, he was reported "missing" to the park rangers. After finishing his hike and returning to the campsite, he announced that he was never "missing" because he knew where he was at all times. On one family trip to Grand Canyon National Park, father and son started out hiking down the canyon until Richard, Jr. realized how far he would have to climb back up. Leaving his dad to go on alone, he returned to the campsite.

Richard also enjoyed cooking, making jewelry, and was an avid reader. He took pride in knowing a little about many things.

Following on his dad footsteps, Richard, Jr. joined the U.S. Army after completing high school. In 2001, wanting to be near his daughter, Alijah Ireanna, he decided to move to Pass Christian where he watched her with love and pride become a beautiful and talented young lady.

In memory of Richard growing up on 4th. Avenue, in Inglewood and as part of a close-knit neighborhood, George Dotson, councilman for the Inglewood 1st. District, asked the mayor to close the city council meeting in Richard’s memory. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, John Wesley II, and Lucille Farris; maternal grandparents, George Owen and Nellie Freightman, aunts; Joyce Freightman, Christine McBride, and Christine Farris Shabazz. Uncles: Raymond J. Farris, John Wesley Farris III and Robert M. Dawson.

Richard will be missed but his memory will be forever cherished by his daughter Alijah Ireanna Swanier Farris, Pass Christian, MS, his parents, Richard Simon Sr. and Carolyn Farris, his sister, Tonya L. Farris, Inglewood Ca, his daughter’s sisters, and brothers, who were very dear to him. Survivors also include one aunt: Lois Cook, Biloxi, MS, five uncles: John Earl (Edna) McDonald, Brandon, MS, Jerome Freightman, Nevarre, Fl, John Phillip (Connie) Freightman, Atlanta, Ga; Anthony Farris, Pass Christian, Ms; Cecil P. Farris, San Bernardino, Ca; and his many cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Biloxi National Cemetery at 12:30 pm

Infinity Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Richard Farris. For inquiries, please call 228-436-6722.