Celebrating the life of
Kenny R. Farthing
September 09, 1947 - May 02, 2014
Kenny R. Farthing
1947-2014
Surrounded by his loving family, Kenny R. Farthing, 66, passed from this world on Friday, May 2, 2014 in Savannah, Georgia after a brief, yet courageous battle with cancer.
Kenny was an avid boater, He and his wife, Diane, spent the last three years traveling the Coastal and Inter-coastal waters of the Southeastern United States.
Kenny loved entertaining-from impromptu dock parties to lavish feasts prepared for friends and family. Kenny loved fellowship, laughter, stories, gatherings of all sorts, and time spent with his special Great Dane, "Bob".
Kenny proudly served his country by dedicating a life of service to both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. Kenny was a Cobra Helicopter pilot. During his military and civilian flight careers, Kenny served in Vietnam, Germany, Korea, Pakistan, and the United States. During his service he earned numerous citations and awards including Master Army Aviator Badge, 13 Air Medals with V device, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device and the Bronze Star. After retiring from military service, Kenny was an instructor at Flight Safety International of Savannah where he made many friends from all over the world.
Kenny was a proud American, a loving husband of 42 years, a stern, yet loving father and grandfather, a treasured son-in-law, a loving brother-in-law, as well as a friend to countless people.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Gremminger Farthing, his son Paul Farthing, daughter-in-law Jessica Farthing of Savannah, his daughter Tricia Farthing Adams, son-in-law Todd Adams of Atlanta, and six grandchildren, Elizabeth Andrews, Mac Farthing, Jake Farthing, Abigail Adams, Addison Adams, and Ashlyn Adams.
A celebration of Kenny's life will be held at Billy's Place, 20 East Perry St, Savannah on Saturday, May 10 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, 6600 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31405 or www.cancer.org
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
So sorry for loss. Ken was a special man who will be missed by all. I value the times we spent together, I will always remember his quick wit, laugh and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you. mjn
- Michael Neal, Savannah, GA
Tricia, Todd & the Farthing family, our deepest sympathies go out to you during this difficult time. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your beloved Father, Husband, Grandfather & Friend rest in peace. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Todd & Rebecca.
- Todd Rebecca Barry, Buford, GA
You will be missed. You always was a cool customer
- Brian Patterson, Summerville, SC
My condolences to Ken's family. Was in the same flight school class at Wolters 71-31 with Ken. Rest in peace K.
- Dennis, Ridgewood, NJ
Ever since I have known Kenny and Diane, I have always felt a presence of warmth, a natural safety, and a wonderful deep love whenever Kenny was around. Whenever I looked up to see a helicopter flying overhead, I imagined Kenny in Top Gun mode, night or day, protecting us all. Now, I simply have to gaze slightly upward from any horizon, and the same, secure blanket of energy and presence will be there....always. An extraordinary man, with an extraordinary family with a life lived in full. All love to Diane, Paul and Tricia from the Rollings family.
- Robert Rollings, Savannah, GA
Ken was always a friendly and familiar face in Savannah at Filght Safety. A down to earth solid guy who knew his business and served his country with honor. A good life but way to short. Fair winds my friend, George Swede
- George Swede, wayne, NJ
So sorry to hear of you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jerry Bierschenk, Fort Worth, TX
What an amazing life! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Todd, Beth and Olivia
- Todd Bevill, Suwanee, GA
So sorry to hear of this sad news. His family is in my prayers.
- Meliss Manning, Seattle, WA
Mr. Farthing, Thank you for your service to our country and may you Rest In Peace. Your family is in our prayers during this time of sorrow.
- Josetta Greene, Atlanta, GA
Diane, Paul, Jess, Tricia and Todd -We are so sorry for the loss of Kenny. We have so many fond memories of him. Always laughing and smiling, ever the hospitable gentleman. We hope those memories of his smile and laugh offer some comfort.
- Julie and Jason Brigdon, Atlanta, GA
I am rendered speechless at the loss of my great friend.A day never passed that He, Diane and Bob did not cross my mind. I am terribly sorry.
- Garth Ables, Guild, TN
Kenny will be missed.
- Tim McAneney, Cedar City, UT
clear skys and calm seas...RIP.as a former Army chopper pilot and vietnam vet i fully understand what he did and what it took to do the job. thank you for your service.
- roy budd, wyckoff, NJ
Diane & Family, Words cannot express how our hearts ache for each of you. Just wanted you to know it was an honor to know Kenny and be considered his friend...he will be missed.
- Brice and Bobbie Morgan, Milledgeville, GA
There are no adequate words to express our sadness during this terrible time. Our love for Kenny and for you Diane, Paul, Tricia and families is immeasurable...please know that our prayers for comfort will continue both today and in the months to come. We love you all!
- Sam and Mary Lewis, Hillsboro, TX
Please accept my sincerest condolences, knew Ken for many years through Flight Safety, Will Williamson and our aviation family. My prayers are with you and your family..
- Joe Cignarella, Teterboro, NJ
Paul, Jessica, and family--we are so sorry to hear about your father. We will remember you in our thoughts and prayers.
- Marsha Brigdon, Savannah, GA
A true longtime friend.
- Ernie Bott, Asheville, NC
My sincere condolences to the Farthing family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Polly Welch, Gainesville, VA
So sorry for loss. Ken was a special man who will be missed by all. I value the times we spent together, I will always remember his quick wit, laugh and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you. mjn
- Michael Neal, Savannah, GA
Tricia, Todd & the Farthing family, our deepest sympathies go out to you during this difficult time. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your beloved Father, Husband, Grandfather & Friend rest in peace. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Todd & Rebecca.
- Todd Rebecca Barry, Buford, GA
You will be missed. You always was a cool customer
- Brian Patterson, Summerville, SC
My condolences to Ken's family. Was in the same flight school class at Wolters 71-31 with Ken. Rest in peace K.
- Dennis, Ridgewood, NJ
Ever since I have known Kenny and Diane, I have always felt a presence of warmth, a natural safety, and a wonderful deep love whenever Kenny was around. Whenever I looked up to see a helicopter flying overhead, I imagined Kenny in Top Gun mode, night or day, protecting us all. Now, I simply have to gaze slightly upward from any horizon, and the same, secure blanket of energy and presence will be there....always. An extraordinary man, with an extraordinary family with a life lived in full. All love to Diane, Paul and Tricia from the Rollings family.
- Robert Rollings, Savannah, GA
Ken was always a friendly and familiar face in Savannah at Filght Safety. A down to earth solid guy who knew his business and served his country with honor. A good life but way to short. Fair winds my friend, George Swede
- George Swede, wayne, NJ
So sorry to hear of you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jerry Bierschenk, Fort Worth, TX
What an amazing life! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Todd, Beth and Olivia
- Todd Bevill, Suwanee, GA
So sorry to hear of this sad news. His family is in my prayers.
- Meliss Manning, Seattle, WA
Mr. Farthing, Thank you for your service to our country and may you Rest In Peace. Your family is in our prayers during this time of sorrow.
- Josetta Greene, Atlanta, GA
Diane, Paul, Jess, Tricia and Todd -We are so sorry for the loss of Kenny. We have so many fond memories of him. Always laughing and smiling, ever the hospitable gentleman. We hope those memories of his smile and laugh offer some comfort.
- Julie and Jason Brigdon, Atlanta, GA
I am rendered speechless at the loss of my great friend.A day never passed that He, Diane and Bob did not cross my mind. I am terribly sorry.
- Garth Ables, Guild, TN
Kenny will be missed.
- Tim McAneney, Cedar City, UT
clear skys and calm seas...RIP.as a former Army chopper pilot and vietnam vet i fully understand what he did and what it took to do the job. thank you for your service.
- roy budd, wyckoff, NJ
Diane & Family, Words cannot express how our hearts ache for each of you. Just wanted you to know it was an honor to know Kenny and be considered his friend...he will be missed.
- Brice and Bobbie Morgan, Milledgeville, GA
There are no adequate words to express our sadness during this terrible time. Our love for Kenny and for you Diane, Paul, Tricia and families is immeasurable...please know that our prayers for comfort will continue both today and in the months to come. We love you all!
- Sam and Mary Lewis, Hillsboro, TX
Please accept my sincerest condolences, knew Ken for many years through Flight Safety, Will Williamson and our aviation family. My prayers are with you and your family..
- Joe Cignarella, Teterboro, NJ
Paul, Jessica, and family--we are so sorry to hear about your father. We will remember you in our thoughts and prayers.
- Marsha Brigdon, Savannah, GA
A true longtime friend.
- Ernie Bott, Asheville, NC
My sincere condolences to the Farthing family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Polly Welch, Gainesville, VA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
