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BORN
1944
DIED
2015
Mel Farr Obituary
A Lions spokesman said Farr’s son confirmed his father died on Monday.
Farr spent his entire NFL career with Detroit, from 1967-73. He was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1967, when he ran for 860 yards in 13 games.
He ran for 717 yards in 1970, helping the Lions go 10-4 in the regular season. They reached the playoffs that season for the first time since 1957.
Farr finished his pro career with 3,072 yards on 739 carries.
He then went on to build an auto dealership business, appearing on TV in local commercials as the caped Mel Farr Superstar.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
91 Entries
James Farr
November 3, 2019
God bless Mel Farr and his Family.
Ralph c
August 3, 2016
Saddened by the lost. How we love the words at Reve 21,4.. No more tears, no more pain, no more death! What a wonderful promise!
Melody King-Rudolph
April 23, 2016
OMG I remembered buying my 1st car from Mel Farr Ford in 1982 when I graduated high school it was a 1982 white Ford Mustang. So sorry to hear this such devastating news, he was a kind man with a pleasant smile and welcoming heart. I pray that his family makes it through this difficult time. May GOD bless you all .
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December 8, 2015
Isaias 65.22.23.muy pronto asi sera y para siempre
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
November 5, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
October 5, 2015
Condolences to all family and friends and fans of Mr Farr. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad time.
August 27, 2015
MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FARR FAMILY. AS A TEAMMATE OF MEL'S AT UCLA (1965) I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE HE MADE US A BETTER TEAM EVERDAY BECAUSE OF HIS WORK ETHIC. REST IN PEACE MEL DALLAS GRIDER
Beverly Woods
August 17, 2015
My condolences to the Farr Family.
Margaret Jenkins
August 15, 2015
May Mr. Farr rest in eternal peace. He lead a distinguished and productive life.
August 14, 2015
Many Blessings to Mel Farr Family. Mike,Mel Jr. Thank you for hiring me. When nobody would... God Bless You! Your Father was a great Man and I love you.
Mike De. Coach Mike Dennis
August 14, 2015
My Condolences to Mel Farr Family. I worked for Mel Farr for six years in Triple M Financing it was a great experience . I had the pleasure to work for An African American #dealership. May God continue to cover his family through these trying times. Andrea Quick-Daniels...
Troy Slaughter
August 14, 2015
My Quarterback. I will always have memories of your leadership at Hebert. I trust God to sustain the family during this difficult time.
August 13, 2015
May God bless the Farr family and embrace you with many loving thoughts and memories of Mel. As a fellow new Ford & GM car dealer and Beaumont, TX hometown friend, I held the utmost respect, adoration and appreciation for all the times Mel extended his kindness and help. Mel was one great man. He was always willing to bring others along and help who he could. You will be missed Mel.
Condolences,
CURTIS L. FRANKLIN, SR
Houston, Texas
August 13, 2015
Very sorry for your lost
Jack Taylor
August 12, 2015
Love you much Mel!
Jack Taylor
August 12, 2015
To the Farr Family;
My condolaces and best wishes to you all. I knew him through the March of Dimes Foundation.
Mickey Bowers
August 12, 2015
May God bless Mel and his Family doing this hard time. A professional Athlete myself I have had the honor of meeting many famous Athletes.
Mel call me one morning when I was President of FLMMDA he ask if he could bring a guess to meet me. he brought the person who I told him that I wanted to meet Muhammad Ali Mel said "HOW DO YOU LIKE ME KNOW" a great guy and a great Star Athlete we will all miss you, Thanks again Mel, God Bless
August 11, 2015
I've been the retail automobile business for almost 35 years. The two I spent at Mel Farr Lincoln Mercury in Dayton, Oh were the most fun I've had.
Mel was able to talk up or down. He could be a brother from the hood or Mr. Farr, celebrity and business magnate. Just depended on the situation.
One thing he said to me that I have stolen and have incorporated into my way of measuring my personal success is: "I am often pleased, but never satisfied."
Like all of us he had his good and his bad, but I liked him because I understood that business is business.
He paid me well and my family appreciates all he did for us.
May God bless his memory.
Henry Essick II
Lang's Chevrolet
Beavercreek, Oh.
Ronnie Hall
August 10, 2015
Great memories mel,in Bmt,C.P./Hebert, football rivalry,and here in Los angeles going to parties ,you, Miller,Zuko,Bubber Lou,GJ Lee,and me Ronnie Hall #24 R.I.P.
Natalie Cirar
August 10, 2015
To Monet and the entire Farr family - I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.
John and Rosie Citizen
August 10, 2015
May God sustain all of you during this difficult time. Our prayers are with all of the family members.
James Halliburton
August 10, 2015
My prayers go out to all of the family. May God grant you peace during this hour. Mr. Farr will be greatly missed. He has been an inspiration and a huge blessing to me in my life along with his father Paw Paw. God bless.
Charlene Mitchell-Rodgers
August 10, 2015
Mel Farr, Sr was a very special man in my family's life. A true friend, confidant and business partner. My son Jonathan and I have many years of precious memories that we will cherish forever. Mel was a man whose personality and big dreams could not be confined. Those who were close to him understood that they had to share him with the public. Mel was a great man & visionary whose ideas were magical. My prayers and deepest sympathy to his entire family, especially his 3 devoted children, Mel Jr, Michael and Monet. R.I.P. "Superstar Dealer".
August 10, 2015
To the family may you all find peace at this difficult time.It's never easy for anyone to lose some one we loved in death.Draw comfort from family and friend hold on to the beautiful throughts and memories and the love you shared together.
Lorene Malbrough
August 9, 2015
My prayers are with all of the family during this difficult time.
clarence
August 9, 2015
my first job in car sales. he taught me a lot.have great memorys of him.GOD BLESS
Carol Thibodeaux Valmore
August 9, 2015
To the Farr Family, you have my deepest sympathy. We all went to school together and were neighbors in the Pear Orchard.
Barbara Tyler-Byrd
August 8, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with
the Farr family.
Clarissa Scaife
August 8, 2015
I worked for Mr Farr for several years he was one of the best bosses I ever had. As Mr. Pipkins said a true visionary.
Barbara Bennett(Sam) McCreary
August 7, 2015
Condolences to the Mel Farr Family. Mel was loved and admired by all. Class of 63'
Connie Bennett(Hank) Pollard
August 7, 2015
Miller Farr & Mel Farr Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God Bless you and family. Hebert High 61'
Lynn Pipkins
August 7, 2015
A true Visonary in the Automobile Industry !!I I Had the Pleasure to work for Mr Farr starting in 1994 for seven years.My prayers go to the Entire Farr Family!!
John Lambert
August 7, 2015
sorry to see you go, watched you at UCLA and the Lions. you did well after football with the Ford dealerships. thoughts and prayers to the family RIP.
Sr & Jr
Wesley Larry Holloway
August 7, 2015
My thoughts are with the Farr Family during these difficult days---Joey will give Mel a guided tour of heaven.
J. Lewis
August 7, 2015
May the true God Jehovah support you during this difficult time as you reflect on his promise to remove the sting of death and restore lost lived ones to life again in the promised new paradise. (Hosea 13:14)
S. Walker
August 7, 2015
May God Bless and keep you.
August 6, 2015
I appreciate your kindness. I am praying for your family, friends, and many many fans.Thank You for loving DETROIT
Robin James
August 6, 2015
Rest in peace Mr. Farr you are truly going to be missed. He also was truly a SUPERSTAR. Our prayer's go out to the Farr Family.
August 6, 2015
I knew Mel Farr many years ago. His kids were in Jack and Jill organization of Oakland County. My sincere condolences to the family.
Sylvia Farr
August 6, 2015
Family from Cow Creek. " Obie Farr " Tx. Our prayer are with you.
Lena Ellis
August 6, 2015
I know what it's like to lose a parent.Mel Farr family you have my love and prayers.I was blessed to buy my first car from Mel Farr dealership in 1994 while residing in Detroit,MI
Much Love -Ms Lena
August 6, 2015
Met him at his first dealership, he helped me get a used car. I was divorced with two children, not much money. He was definitely a kind soul. My best to your family.
eddy miller
August 6, 2015
I watched you as a kid, miss you as an. Adult.
georgia ricks
August 6, 2015
Rest In Peace Mel,Georgia Winters Rice,Fayetta Coleman,and the Late Lorenzo Owens that played football with him.
Matthew Dixon
August 6, 2015
To me your father is the superstar, very sorry for your loss Monet and family, God bless-
August 6, 2015
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST HE WAS TRULY A VERY
GOOD PERSON AND I FEEL PRIVILGED THAT I NOT ONLY GOT TO WORK FOR HIM BUT BECOME HIS FRIEND AND MEET HIS FAMILY BARB GILLEY
August 6, 2015
A wonderful friend and associate. Mel was a visionary as well as a pragmatist. The world was a better place for having him and we all will miss him. Rest easy Mr. Farr. Thoughts with your family.
Gary Kuszpit
Tracey Yvette Carrington
August 6, 2015
To the entire Farr Family of Mel Farr, Sr.
I was very sad to learn of the sudden transition of of my former boss Mel,, having worked so closely with him as his personal Executive Administrative Assistant at Mel Farr Automotive Group, I can say that during my professional administrative career of over 35 years, and having working for six (6) Presidents of major corporations, by far Mel was the greatest boss ever. I personally knew of the love that he felt for his family and his friends.
Continue to hold onto to your FAITH and know that LOVE will sustain you all during these Hours of Bereavement as well as the days ahead.
With Deep Heartfelt Sympathy
Tracey Yvette Carrington
Palms Springs, CA
Bessie Farr
August 5, 2015
Rest in peace Mel, it was my intent and my desire to re-aquaint our 1st cousin relationship, through Joshua & Jessie Farr, my father. I thank God for creating and using you to bring so much love and excitement to the world of sports. You were a God sent, now rest in the Savior arms from all the earth's
stresses & worries. Love Bessie Farr
Becky
August 5, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family. May the "God of tender mercies and all comfort" help you through this difficult time -2 cor 1:3.
George
August 5, 2015
We offer our condolences for Mel with prayers for him & the family.
The Doucette's
Ann Cochran
August 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with Mel's Family at this time. I met Mel and his Parents when they first came to Santa
Monica.They lived downstairs
from my Family. May God sustain you in your time of Bereavement. We will continue to keep your Family lifted in Prayer.
Carolyn Smith Davis
August 5, 2015
...I remember Mel when he was at Hebert. I did not attend Hebert, but I was acquainted with Farr cousins in Newton County. My Cousin Joe "Bill" Smith went to Hebert, a teammate of Mel's, remained very good friends...he even flew to Detroit, purchased a motor vehicle from Mel, and then drove the automobile back to Beaumont. They remained good friends and both Joe "Bill" and I were saddened to hear of Mel's passing. Our heartfelt sympathy to the Farr family and friends.
Huey Ball
August 5, 2015
To the Farr Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Mel's passing.Our prayers go up for all of you.
The Ball Family-Huey&Grace
of Ypsilanti,MI.
August 5, 2015
May the Lord Jesus Christ, Strengthen and comfort Mel Farrs family and friends at this time. Now, may The Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. Thessalonians 3:16
Marilynn Johnson
Jeneva Thomas
August 5, 2015
I would like to offer you my thoughts and prayers during this unexpected time of your life. There are no words that could bring mourning or grieve to an end, but please know that God has a much greater way that will bring these things to an end Matthew 5: 4.
Ralph Roddy
August 5, 2015
Condolences to the Farr family. I had the pleasure of meeting Mel at the car dealership that I was Executive VP at in Beaumont,TX when we purchased 200 new vehicles from him. When Mel walked into a room, he lit up the whole room with his joy and personality. He was a great man and lived his life full of integrity. It was a pleasure doing business with a moral, honest and ethical man.
George Hypolite
August 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers r with ur family. RIP PINE.
Barbara Smith
August 5, 2015
Mr. Farr was a very gracious man with a lot vision. He was always very kind to me when I worked for him. He was taken from us way too early. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Owen Butler
August 5, 2015
If I remember correctly, Mr.Farr and Lem Barney provided background voices on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" album. I remember watching the Lions on TV when I was in Jr High. Condolences to all loved ones.
Michael Schneider
August 5, 2015
Mr. Farr used to say that "Success is a journey and not a destination". Mel, thank-you so much for allowing so many of us to go along with you on an amazing journey!!!
Joe Lattera
August 5, 2015
Condolences to the Farr Family. I enjoyed watching Mel when I was a teenager. He inspired me and so many others. He will be remembered in my Home...
Marvin Gaye worked hard to become a talented football player, and while he never played in the NFL, he was good friends with Detroit Lions Mel Farr and Lem Barney. "What's Going On" was an expression they used to greet each other, and Gaye used it as the title (What's Goin' On). Farr and Barney sang backup on the track.
August 5, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
August 5, 2015
A vastly underrated back in NFL history. One of the greats of the 1960's. Carson G. Long
Lou and Michelle Gordon
August 4, 2015
May his memory be a blessing for all of the lives he touched. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of the Farr family. We love you.
Charlene Crowley
August 4, 2015
This man had a lot of class and was very nice to his employee's.
Maggie Howard
August 4, 2015
I didn't know Mel for long, met him at a NFL meeting and again at the NFL golf outing . It saddened me when I heard he had died. RIP Mel
August 4, 2015
Sorry to hear that Mr.Farr has passed I worked for Mr. Farr in the 80's. he was a great man.
R.Bradley Sr.
Cesar Gustilo
August 4, 2015
I remember his Ford dealer TV commercial know as the Superstar. Unfortunately he closed down his dealer. My condolences goes out to the Farr Family! May he rest in peace!
August 4, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. I worked at his dealership in Oak Park and became very fond of him as a former player and a person. It saddens me to hear, but I know that he is in a great place. He will be missed dearly by this life long Packer fan!!! Bardo Neeson
Anita Bell
August 4, 2015
Rest in peace Superstar! Heartfelt condolences to your family.
Patsy Johnson-Curtis
August 4, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
DETROIT LIONS FAN
August 4, 2015
I watched you play when I was a kid in Grand Rapids, Mi.(What a time)
August 4, 2015
May god bless you and your family from a dear friend of yours and your family.
Gloster Richardson
Herman Sleepy young
August 4, 2015
may God bless you and your family home boy from Beaumont
Ingrid Branch
August 4, 2015
To the Farr Family May you find comfort in knowing that Mr Farr was loved by his fans, the city of Detroit, and the multitude of people his life impacted
May God provide you comfort and treasure the many memories you have
Rest In Paradise
August 4, 2015
Sorry for your loss. May the "Peace of God"(Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such a loss.
shelly Lipton (Messina)
August 4, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends on the loss of a true legend! Mel, will be truly missed by all he touched.
Alice Williams
August 4, 2015
I watched Mr Farr play and loved doing it. I pray you, his family, finds peace.
Remember ( 1 Cor 1:3) It was comforting to us during a similar time. You are in our prayers.
Karen Davis
August 4, 2015
RIP Mr. Farr, I remember your commercials on TV from Dayton, OH. Condolences and prayers are extended to the FARR FAMILY. GOD BLESS
S. W.
August 4, 2015
May the family be comforted by God, friends and family as you endure this difficult time.
August 4, 2015
Offering our most heartfelt condolences to family and friends on the loss of Mel. He was a hero to many. May treasured memories warm your heart and comfort you during these difficult times.
Harry Simpson
August 4, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Jessie Bowie
August 4, 2015
A Beaumont Texas native, and Beaumont Hebert Panther alumni, Mel Farr was a idol and legend, to young guys like me living in Beaumont. Though a rival of those of us that lived in the "north end", you had to appreciate his talent. He remained an inspiration outside of football. RIP.
Andre Gray
August 4, 2015
Was a pleasure knowing you Mel. You blazed trails that many of us still follow to this day.
Thank you for showing us what is and what was possible.
R C
August 4, 2015
RIP Mel. May you roar with the Lions in Heaven!
Dr. G
August 4, 2015
Rest In Peace, Mr. Farr. Condolences to the Farr family!
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