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Norman Farley Obituary
December 20, 1925 - September 26, 2016
Resident of Richmond and Lafayette
Norman Elbert Farley, 90, died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Monday, September 26. He was born December 20, 1925 in Black Oak, AR to Elbert and Rosa Mae King Farley and grew up as a sharecropper's son. He served in the U.S. Navy as a medic, where he received an honorable discharge. He later used his G.I. bill to earn his undergraduate degree in two and a half years from Arkansas State College. He was also awarded a Master of Arts in U.S. History from the University of Arkansas, where he met his wife of 64 years, Sheila Valentine-Brown. They farmed, started a family, and moved to Northern California. Norman sold insurance in Arkansas, and continued to do so as a supplement to his teaching salary in California. He taught in the Richmond Unified School District for 31 years. During his teaching career he took two sabbaticals in England, his wife's birthplace, and traveled extensively. Norman was an avid bowler and baseball player. He played varsity baseball in college, the Navy and in the minor leagues.
He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings: sisters Juanita Farley, Evelyn Fry, Elvie Millican and his brothers Marvin "Pug" and Billy Farley. He also lost a daughter, Erin Kathleen Farley. He is survived by his wife and children: Della (Vern) Friason, Sherrin Farley, Timothy (Kathy), Sean and Patrick (Jenna) Farley. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Geoffrey (Jessica), Camille, William, Shane, Kathryn, Kevin, Tessa, Andrew, Alexandra and Parker as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. If there were ever an ear willing to listen, Norman E. "Fearless" Farley always had a joke or story to tell. He will be missed by all.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside service, which will be held at Noon, Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to: Martin de Porres House of Hospitality, Native American Rights Fund and the Southern Poverty Law Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For more information, please contact the family at [email protected] or (510) 241-2741.
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Memories and Condolences
for Norman Farley
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
April 27, 2018
My condolences to your family--esp. my friends Sherrin and Della, whom I've known since childhood.
Pat Paulson
Hercules, California
Della
June 12, 2017
I still miss my beloved Father and will miss this wonderful man on Father's Day this year, my firstwithout him. It took me a long time to become more out going and a story teller like him. I will always remember my southern family and my own little southern roots. There's so much more to thank him for and remember. Thank you dear Dad from the first one that called you DAD❤ xoxoxoxo
Della
June 12, 2017
I still miss my beloved Father and will miss this wonderful man on Father's Day this year, my firstwithout him. It took me a long time to become more out going and a story teller like him. I will always remember my southern family and my own little southern roots. There's so much more to thank him for and remember. Thank you dear Dad from the first one that called you DAD❤ xoxoxoxo
October 11, 2016
My Sincere Condolences to one who supported me well as an agent of Western Pioneer Insurance Company.
A nice friend too
Michael Galati
Nancie Rouse
September 30, 2016
My sincere sympathy to the family. I got to know Norm when we were on the same bowling team for many years. He will be missed.
Jeannie Reginato
September 30, 2016
My sincere condolences to all the Farley family. What a hard working man,a lover of life, a gentle & kind soul he was. He will be missed greatly.
Kris Skow
September 30, 2016
My sincere sympathy to all the Farley family.
Aaron Farley
September 30, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the Farley Family. May you each find peace and comfort during your loss. Our hearts are saddened by our loss, but we know Uncle Norman is in a better place. He will forever be in our sweet memories of his visits to Arkansas. May god continue to bless and comfort you.
Aaron, ReGina, Patrick, and Emily Farley
Brookland, AR
Kael Triglia
September 30, 2016
I am so thankful to Norm for raising such wonderful children, which includes my best friend Sherrin. I know his kindess, compassion and hard work helped create the goodness in their hearts to make this world a better place. Thank you Norm, you were so loved and will be greatly missed.
September 29, 2016
On Monday the world lost a wonderful person, your acts of kindness to me as a child will remain forever in my heart, Rest In Peace Uncle Norman, I will be forever proud to have known you, a true southern gentleman. Gerald Fry
Geoff Chang
September 29, 2016
We loved you Mr. Farley. You were a great teacher, and I am proud to be able to write this. My condolences to your family. My thanks for your contribution and guidance in my youth.
September 29, 2016
With sincere sympathy may you find comfort in your memories and may the remembrance of a life you cherish fill all your days with love. May our almighty God continue to comfort you and your family2 Coriinthians 1:3
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