Mr. J. Gordon Farmer

North Augusta, SC—Funeral Services for Mr. J. Gordon Farmer, 91, of Dunbarton Drive, who entered peacefully into rest October 19, 2012 at the home he built and loved, will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. James D. Dennis, Jr., Dr. John M. Younginer, Jr., and Dr. John M. Newell, III officiating. Interment in Westover Memorial Park with Veterans Honors. Gordon was born in Stellaville, GA, the youngest of 6 children of Henry & Clara Farmer. He graduated from Wrens HS in 1938. In 1939, he entered Georgia Tech, where he graduated in 1943 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. He loved and supported Georgia Tech for the rest of his life. In March, 2011, he was honored by the school by being inducted into the “Georgia Tech Engineering Hall of Fame”. He was recognized for “his accomplishments professionally and personally that exemplify the pinnacle of success for a Georgia Tech graduate”. In 1943, Gordon was commissioned as a 2nd LT. in the Army Air Corp. He served in WWII as a 1st Lt and lead navigator in the 490th Bomber Group of the Mighty 8th Air Force in England. He and his crew flew 17 missions over Europe. Gordon’s group was awarded the ‘Presidential Citation for outstanding Combat Service’. In 1946, Gordon returned to N. Augusta, SC, with $5K in savings and started Augusta Concrete Block Company. For the next 65 years Augusta Concrete Block has continued as one of the most successful block manufacturers in the southeast. It is now run by his son, Jim Farmer. Throughout his years in business, he led and supported many civic organizations and charitable causes. Among them: President, Augusta Junior Chamber of Commerce; President, North Augusta Chamber of Commerce; Chairman, Aiken County Historical Commission; Chairman, Building Committee for Augusta Museum and co-founder of the Aiken County Manufacturers Council . Gordon was honored in 2007 as the North Augusta Citizen of the year. For 63 years he and his wife have been active members and leaders of Grace United Methodist Church. Gordon served as Chairman of the Official Board, Church Treasurer, member of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer of the Stillwell Class for 50 years. He also served on 6 church building committees. He was a faithful servant and loved the church, which he supported all his life. Gordon was also known as a prolific collector. His vast collections include clocks, antiques, mechanical items, coins and antique cars. In June 2010, he was featured on the “American Pickers” television show. The show, one of the History Channel’s most popular episodes, was entitled “Gordon’s Gold Mine.” Gordon and his wife, Martha Claire, travelled extensively all over the world, sharing a passion of collecting, and a love of history. He was a Christian, a loving family man, an entrepreneur, historian, avid collector, and a member of the “Greatest Generation.” He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Clara Farmer, two brothers, Pierce Farmer and George Farmer; two sisters, Louise Clements and Virginia Eubanks. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Martha Claire Holladay Farmer, North Augusta, SC; a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Laura Farmer, Augusta, GA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca and Gary Bernson, Atlanta, GA and Melissa and Paul Zimmerman, Augusta, GA; a sister, Betty Painter, Atlanta, GA; seven grandchildren, Matthew Bernson, Myers Zimmerman, Mary Claire Zimmerman, Hannah Farmer, James Gordon Farmer, III “Trey”, Spencer Farmer and Gabriella Farmer. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Stillwell Sunday School Class, employees of Augusta Concrete Block, Dr. and Mrs. W.G. Watson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Holladay. Active Pallbearers will be Dr. Billy Thurmond, Col. John T. Mason, George D. Farmer, Conrad Quiller, Jack Goldenberg, Dick Rosenliebe, Bob Sweeney, Jim Travis and Donald Patterson. The family will receive friends at the residence, 804 Dunbarton Drive, North Augusta, SC this Monday evening from 4 until 7. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church Building Fund, 639 Georgia Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841or to the Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue , Columbia, SC, 29205. His family appreciates the loving attention and care he received from his care givers. Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803-278-1181). Visit the registry online at www.poseyfuneraldirectors.com

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Mr. J. Gordon Farmer

January 14, 1921 - October 19, 2012