Judd Bernard Farr

Judd Bernard Farr, 82, devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, died on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at home. Born on April 15, 1926 in Athens, Georgia, Judd attended Athens High School where he lettered in football, track and basketball. In his senior year, he was given the title of "Best All Around." Judd attended the University of Georgia until he was called into service for the Army Air Corps during World War II. During his military service, Judd was a member of the initial occupation forces sent to Japan. After serving his country, he returned to the University of Georgia where he was awarded a scholarship in both track and basketball. While at UGA, Judd set a South Eastern Collegiate high jump record that stood for over 10 years. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Fraternity and, in 1949 graduated with the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. After graduation, Judd worked for the Acme Steel Company in Atlanta, Georgia which led him, in 1952, to Greenville. There he met and married Betty Peebles, the love and inspiration of his life. In 1965, Judd purchased Greenco Beverage Company and grew it into a multi faceted beverage company. He was past President of the South Carolina Beer Association and received the South Carolina Man of the Year Award for 1984/1985. Judd was a member of First Presbyterian Church and supported many local charities. He served on the Board of Southern Bank, Board of Directors for Carolina First Bank and the Greenville Country Club. He was a member of the Poinsett Club and the Carillon Dance Club. He proudly presented his five daughters in the Carolinian Debutante Club. A loyal alumnus of the University of Georgia and avid fan of the Bulldogs, he served as President of the Greenville Touchdown Club and was co-founder and President of the Greenville UGA Bulldog Club. Judd served for many years on the University of Georgia Student Educational Fund Board of Trustees which is a goodwill organization dedicated to the success of intercollegiate athletics. He received the Dan Magill Award which is given for "loyalty, dedication and commitment to the Bulldogs and the University of Georgia." The University of Georgia Bulldog Club also recognized Judd's dedication to his alma mater with the "Old Faithful Dawg" Award. For 25 years, Judd served thousands of Bulldog fans and cheerleaders at his famous tailgate. Judd also served on the Board of the YMCA of Greenville Endowment, and the YMCA Metropolitan Board of Directors. He served the Greenville YMCA in numerous capacities but he had a particular interest in supporting children. He not only coached various youth sports teams but also sponsored many children who would otherwise be unable to participate in YMCA activities. Mr. Farr received the Order of the Red Triangle which is the highest honor that the organization bestows. His family also recognized his love of the "Y" by having the Fellowship Room in the Caine Halter Family YMCA Branch named in his honor. Judd is predeceased by his mother Gaynelle Farr Wansley and father Judd Bernard Farr, Sr., step father, Russell Edward Wansley, sister, Julia Farr Holtzworth and two grandchildren, Frank Morris DuPree, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Strausbaugh. In addition to Betty, his loving wife of 56 years, Judd is survived by his two sons and one daughter-in-law, Judd Bernard Farr, Jr., Russell Thomas Farr and his wife, Diane, of Greenville. His five daughters and sons-in-law, Gay Farr DuPree and her husband Frank, Gena Farr Haskell and her husband Corbin, Nancy Farr Strausbaugh and her husband Keith of Greenville, Tritty Farr Kneece and her husband Rocky of Columbia, SC, and Amy Farr Springs and her husband Albert of Myrtle Beach, SC. Judd is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, Bern DuPree and his wife Mary, Riley and Langdon Haskell, Mary Margaret, Anna, Katie, and Richard Kneece, Wilson and Jack Strausbaugh, Lindsey, Maria, Emma, and Mary Carmen Springs, Thomas and Judd Farr. His children would like to thank their mother for the love, support, and care she gave their father throughout his life. The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Judd B. Farr, 16 DeBraham Court. The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Washington Street, Greenville, SC on Friday, December 19th at 11:00 am. A private committal service will follow. And a special thank you to Fran Barnes for all the many years of devoted and loyal service and thanks to the loving hands of Vista Care, all the sitters and nurses. The family is so appreciative of the care given by Cathy, Jessica, Loretta and Jackie for all their tender care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the YMCA of Greenville, Caine Halter Family Branch, 721 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601, the Athens Y Camp, PO Box 8, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573 or to Vista Care, Inc., 15 Brendan Way, Suite 100, Greenville, SC 29615. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown.