Richard Lee Farmer

Richard Lee Farmer was born on January 3, 1942, in the Mary Helen Coal Camp of Harlan County, Kentucky. The youngest son of nine children of the late Carlo and Della Farmer, Richard grew up surrounded by the deep values of family and community. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on June 17th, 2025.

Richard was a 1960 graduate of Hall High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a radar operator aboard the USS Waldron DD669, sailing out of San Diego, CA, a Destroyer that sailed the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Kentucky.

Returning to his beloved hometown, Richard embarked on a 29-year career as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, serving Harlan County in numerous roles. He believed deeply in the value of human connection — he frequently said it’s not the work itself but the people you meet and work with who make a job fulfilling.

After retiring, Richard embraced life with a renewed energy. He picked up line dancing at Silver Clouds, enjoyed any live music, particularly at The Little Opry and became a part-time antique vendor. Richard had a sharp eye for hidden treasures at flea markets and roadsides, always hunting for collectible glassware, coal mining memorabilia or vintage Harlan County materials that he could flip at his antique booth. He once traded a carefully curated coal mining script collection into a brand-new car. He joined “The Breakfast Club” at Hardee’s, where coffee, biscuits, and the latest local news were shared each morning among friends. He remained close with his Hall High School classmates and eagerly looked forward to the annual Mary Helen reunion. 

Richard was a devoted son, a kind and loyal brother, and a patient, gentle father and grandfather. Forever a gentleman, he was never without a pocket handkerchief and always ready to ask a lucky lady for a dance. He owned a closet full of dancing shoes and boots, and he never met a plaid shirt he didn’t like. A lifelong fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats athletic teams, he followed both men's and women's basketball schedules closely. Above all, being a grandfather was a role in which he thrived and became a constant source of joy. Richard lived with humor, warmth, and an open heart. He had a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the love he gave so freely, the friendships he cherished, and the family who adored him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlo and Della Farmer, sisters, Laura May Ridenour, and Una V. Brock, brothers Gene Farmer, Carlo “Buddy” Farmer, Jr, Buster “Buck” Farmer, and James “Snook” Farmer. 

Richard is survived by his daughters, Leann Farmer (Angie) of Bowling Green and Richell Begley (Keith) of Harlan, and a grandson, Leeland Begley who he cherished above all. He will also be remembered by the mother of his children, Paula Farmer, with whom he shared many years of marriage and memories. He also leaves behind his sisters, Evelyn Posey of Coalgood, KY and Audrey Stanton (Clarence) of Norwood, Ohio, and special friends, Peggy Goins and Sterling Williams.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Hazard VA and Lexington VA Healthcare teams.

Visitation will be on Monday (June 23) from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.

Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm on Monday (June 23) in the chapel of Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home with Pastor Ronnie Dale Shackleford officiating. 

Burial will follow the funeral services on Monday (June 23) at Resthaven Cemetery in Keith, Kentucky. Military rites will be performed by the Harlan Honor Guard. 

Please feel free to leave a memory or condolence at www.aljfh.com

Richard Lee Farmer and his family are in the care of Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.