Loyal Kent Farris

Loyal Kent Farris, 79, of Oxford, Mississippi, met his Lord and Savior on the morning of February 2, 2026, resting in the promise of John 14:1-3.

He was born on June 27, 1946, in Altamont, Illinois, to Robert and Blanche Farris. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Don (Pat); his nephew, Thomas; and his niece, Nichole.

Kent is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sons, Alan (Katie) and Marty (Rebecca); his beloved grandchildren, George and Winnie; his sister, Audrey (Gene); and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Educated in Illinois, Kent proudly served his country in the United States Army before beginning a career in the business world in Chicago. At age 29, he followed a calling to ministry and enrolled at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He went on to serve faithfully as Executive Pastor at First Baptist Church of Crowley, Texas, and First Baptist Church of Orange, Texas, before spending 25 years at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas. In retirement, Kent settled just two miles from the Ole Miss campus in Oxford, MS. Go Rebels!

Kent’s testimony was simple yet profound. After losing his best friend in Vietnam and never knowing whether his friend had known Christ, Kent dedicated the rest of his life to making sure everyone he met understood the love and hope found in Jesus.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Brentwood Baptist Church, Baskin Chapel, 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, have a meal at Waffle House, leave a generous tip, and share the love of Jesus with someone along the way.