Ronald Edwin Farrar

Ronald Edwin Farrar, age 84, passed away at home in Wake Forest, NC, on December 18, 2023. Ron was born on December 25, 1938, in Keysville, Virginia. He was the youngest son of Walter Edwin Farrar, a Baptist minister, and Helen Wheeler Farrar. Ron followed in his father’s footsteps and eventually pastored churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Ron graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1958. Two years later he met Shirlee Jones, and they were married In June 1960. The next year, Ron was drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, where he and Shirlee had a chance to travel throughout Europe. After returning to the States, Ron began completing his education, including a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary.

His first position as pastor was at Salem Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He also served as pastor at Gatesville Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Scotland Neck, and Pittsboro Baptist Church, all in North Carolina, as well as Good Hope Baptist Church in Conway, South Carolina. After retiring from full-time ministry, he held several interim pastoral positions at churches in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Ron’s first love was preaching and ministering to people. He also enjoyed traveling, reading, playing golf, spending time with his family, and being Papa to his two grandsons.

Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirlee Jones Farrar, his daughter Helen Weeks (and husband Nathan), and two grandsons, Harrison Weeks (and wife Maud) and Sam Weeks. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Ted Farrar.

A memorial service will be held at Good Hope Baptist Church in Conway, SC, on Saturday, January 6 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Christian Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to the Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361, or to Good Hope Baptist Church, 6101 Privetts Road, Conway, SC 29526 (designating memorial fund for Ron Farrar on the check).