Michael Lee Farris

Michael Lee Farris, passed away September 21, 2025. He was born on November 13, 1945 in Detroit, the son of John and Karen Farris.

From his earliest days, Mike developed a fondness for cars, new and old. This love was passed down from his dad John, who owned Farris Collision and began collecting and restoring cars in the 1950's. Mike would speak fondly of family travel down to his dad's birthplace in Kentucky, recalling trips where his dad would "go into a dealership and walk out with 20 fenders for $5 apiece". By the late 50's, John's skill at restoration saw them competing (and winning) in the Detroit Autorama, capturing 10 straight first-place awards.

Mike attended Cooley High School in Detroit, where he met Diane Purdie. Many stories were told about their time together at Cooley, including when Mike looked out the window at school only to find Diane "borrowing" his Corvette for a mid-day gambol. Whether it was time spent ironing Diane's hair in his family home, or indulging her in yet another shopping adventure, Diane was the true love of Mike's life, and the two would later go on to marry and have two kids, Ryan and Allison.

The apple did not fall far from the tree when it came time for Mike to choose his career, which spanned decades in auto dealership management through his retirement from Art Moran Pontiac GMC. It was there that he got to meet and befriend prominent business and sports figures of the time, including Steve Yzerman and Alan Trammel. He was great with people, had a way with words, and was blessed with the ability to make fast friends. Mike thought of the dealership as an extension of his family.

Mike continued his father's love of car collecting with his own collection of cars, which numbered upwards of two dozen and ranged from 1940's Cadillacs to 1950's Ford pickups to 1960's Ford and Chrysler muscle cars and everything in between. He also enjoyed motorcycles and snowmobile racing, for many years making sure to upgrade to the newest (and notably, fastest) motorcycle or snowmobile on offer.

Mike's kids remember with fondness their dad's willingness to be there for them no matter what; in the good times as well as the tough times, he would always lend an ear and offer support in the most caring way he knew how to. His love for his family, including his grandchildren, is everlasting.

Mike is survived by his beloved children Ryan (Heidi) Farris of Rochester and Allison (Fabian) Clemens of Romeo; loving grandchildren Carter Farris, Gavin Farris, Nolan Farris, Hilde Clemens, Meike Clemens, and Farris Clemens.