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Michael Farmer Obituary
Tigerville
Dr. Michael Houston Farmer, 73, of Tigerville, SC passed away in a car accident near his home on February 10, 2015. Mike was born to the late Houston Martin Farmer and Edith Ballenger Farmer on November 8, 1941 in Greer, SC. He graduated from Greer High School in 1960, received an Associate's Degree in Chemical Technology from Greenville Technical College in 1970, a B.S. in Chemistry from Clemson University in 1972, a Masters Degree in Science Education from Clemson University in 1974, and a Doctorate in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina in 1993.
Dr. Farmer taught Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy for over 40 years at Riverside High School, Greenville Technical College, and the SC Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities. During his career, Dr. Farmer served as the President of the Greenville County Science Teachers Association, President of the South Carolina Science Council, President of the South Carolina Academy of Science, and Chairman of the High School Division of the National Science Teachers Association. Dr. Farmer's accolades include Discover Magazine Teacher of the Year (1984), South Carolina's candidate for NASA's Teacher in Space Program (1985), Order of the Palmetto from Governor Richard Riley (1985), the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching (1987), the National Science Teacher's Association's Gustav Ohaus Science Teaching Award (1990), and the Governor's Award for Science Awareness for South Carolina (1999). Dr. Farmer's writings are numerous, including his book Science Projects: A Modular Approach, and he was working on a book of science and math geared for young artists.
Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Tate Higgins; a daughter, Kenley Paige Farmer; two step-sons, John Tate Higgins and David William Higgins; a brother, Tony "Sarge" Farmer.
Dr. Farmer was a passionate advocate for science and education and in lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be contributed to the Dr. Farmer Scholarship Fund for students of Riverside High School, [email protected] for more info; or, to a fund for students in Dr. Farmer's name to the Governor's School for the Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 8458, Greenville, SC 29604.
He was a friend, teacher and mentor to many. "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all art and science." (Albert Einstein) Cremation Society of SC
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Farmer
Mary Levens
September 18, 2015
Mike supported me as I began part of my career in the leadership role in (SC)2. He always talked to me about how we could make things better, what was already good, and always remember the past, so you do not repeat mistakes, but use that to create things bigger and better. A colleague that I will miss as the science conference comes in November and he will not be there.
Debbie Christian
May 18, 2015
Dr. Mike Farmer, Teacher, Hiker, Friend
Alex
April 6, 2015
I just learned of Dr. Farmer's passing. When I was a senior at Governor's school, I became extremely depressed - to the point of wanting to end my life. Dr. Farmer was the only one who noticed and asked if everything was ok. God bless this man who blessed so many lives.
Lisa (Stanley) Floyd
February 23, 2015
Dr Farmer was my mentor and friend. I had the privilege of both learning from him at Riverside HS (Class of '92 and teaching beside him at Greenville Tech. I had the honor of working with him on award-winning science projects and witnessed his deep caring for science and how we can use it to better our world. He inspired and influenced me not only to become a Chemist, but to pursue chemistry that was meaningful to me (health & nutrition). I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I know the mark he made on our community will live on. My sincere condolences to Kenley and Libby and family. May God comfort you in your loss.
Daryl Cobranchi
February 21, 2015
I was fortunate to have Mike teach me chemistry for two years in the late '70s. Mike was the one teacher who most influenced the rest of life, encouraging me to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry.
RIP, Mr. Farmer.
Jim Truskey
February 19, 2015
I am hard pressed to remember any HS teacher other than Dr. Farmer who made a difference in my life. He was the one and only teacher who ever motivated me to do more than just enough to get by. I was a solid B-C student, but in his class I won the academic letter. If I had more teachers like him, my educational experience and my life would be much different. Hindsight is always 20/20 I wish foresight was as well. He was one of the good guys. Anyone who crossed paths with him was blessed.
Pam Koncki
February 16, 2015
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to teach with Dr. Farmer. Wishing Libby and his entire family the peace and comfort of happy memories.
Dianne Earle
February 15, 2015
Mike Farmer was a giant in the realm of education. He taught science the way it should be taught...not by memorizing a bunch of facts, but using those facts to answer questions. He will be missed in the science arena. We have lost another great educator!
February 15, 2015
Condolences to the family.
Psalms 145:14
Chris Miller
February 15, 2015
I had Dr. Farmer my senior year at Riverside as my Physics teacher. He was a good teacher and influenced many students in their future careers. Our class has one architect, three engineers, and one in quality control was an example of this.
God be with his family in this time.
Don Talley
February 14, 2015
Mike changed the world. ..one student at a time. He was my teacher and my friend. His life and legacy continues in the lives of all who knew him
Ron Shelton
February 14, 2015
Truly an exemplar of being a teacher in America. So pleased to have been one of his colleagues.
Leslie Putnam
February 14, 2015
Dr. Farmer will be missed by every one of the thousands of students he taught.
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Cremation Society Of South Carolina328 Dupont Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
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