Wallace Osbourne "Wally" Farmer, 88, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, surrounded by family who deeply loved him. Born on March 16, 1937, he grew up in the coal-mining community of Gary, West Virginia, where he spent his youth causing mischief, caddying at the local golf course, and roaming the hills with his best friend.

At just 16, he signed up for the service and went on to proudly serve as a Sergeant and Military Police during the Korean Era. After returning home, Wally worked at the CIA in Washington, DC and was then trained as a master Mercedes Benz mechanic. He spent the majority of his career with the United States Postal Service in Richmond, Virginia, where he was always up to his antics with coworkers. One of his favorite stories to tell was the day Muhammad Ali was walking down Broad Street. Ali shook his hand and asked, "How's it feel to shake a champ's hand?" Without missing a beat, Wally replied, "I don't know-I should be asking you that." That moment perfectly captures his humor, confidence, and charm.

After retiring, he and his beloved wife opened a fine gifts shop in Old Towne Fredericksburg called The Farmer's Wife, where they enjoyed many years working side-by-side. They eventually retired to Englewood, Florida, and later to Blue Ridge, Georgia, where the mountains Wally always loved felt like home.

One of Wally's greatest joys was annual trips back to West Virginia to share with his family the roots that shaped him. He took great pride in showing his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren where he grew up, always stopping for pepperoni rolls, a good hot dog, and to catch fresh spring water flowing off the side of a mountain. Those trips became cherished traditions-simple moments that carried deep meaning.

Wally was truly one of a kind. He was the nucleus of his family-steadfast, honest, and full of grit. He loved gardening, fixing anything that needed to be fixed, and teaching every child in the family how to "pull his finger." His wit was unmatched, his presence comforting, and his love steady and unwavering.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Melva Jean Farmer, as well as his parents and siblings.

He is survived by his children: Billy (Alisa) Farmer, GiGi (John) Mohrmann, Debra (Ken) Collier, and Kelley (Dennis) Smith. Twelve grandchildren: Amy, Shannon, Jenni, Chris, David, Drew, Calli, Kenny, Sarah, Clay, Tiffany and Maggie. Twenty great-grandchildren: Kaili, Hannah, Kamryn, Sydnie, Sadie, Ashtyn, Charlotte, Bryndle, Oliver, Luke, Zoey, Addie, Reed, Hallie, Rives, Riley, Emilia , Heath, Nathaniel, Skylar, and Blake - all of whom adored him beyond measure.

Wally leaves behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, and love-a life well lived and a family forever grateful for the man who held them all together.

Memorial services were conducted on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM from the Salem #2 Baptist Church with Rev. Brett Curtis officiating. Music was provided by Ken Collier and Kenny Collier. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shriners Children's Hospital at http://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/

Private Military Honors service will be held on December 12, 2025 at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill was in charge of these arrangements.