Terry G. Farris, 65, of Columbia City died at 1:27 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at his home. He had been in declining health.

He was born July 22, 1950, in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Raymon D. and Minnie A. (Campbell) Farris. His formative years were spent in Fort Wayne. He graduated from Elmhurst High School.

Following his graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He served with the Navy Underwater Demolition Team, which was the forerunner of the Navy Seals.

On Oct. 5, 1975, he was united in marriage to Sheryl Kay Roby. They made their home in Fort Wayne for a few years, then moved to Whitley County and finally to Columbia City.

He spent is work career in the freight transportation business as dispatcher, administrator and driver. Most recently he drove for Ranch Toppers and AutoZone.

He was a member of the First Church of God, Getz Road, Fort Wayne; a former member of Masonic Lodge 510, South Whitley; a current member of the Blue Lodge, Columbia City; and the Scottish Rite, Fort Wayne. He was a former member of the Whitley County Sheriff Reserves and the Wayne Township, Fort Wayne, volunteer firefighter where he served as an EMT.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and bird watching. He cherished his time with family and especially his grandchildren. He loved his dog, Zoey and always had a special place in his heart for his wife of 40 years, Sheryl.

Surviving include Sheryl; two sons: Shawn Farris and Raymon (Rachel) Farris, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Vivian M. Gaerte-Farris, Baylie E. Ault, Kyle G. Farris, Erick C. Farris and Kelsey O. Farris; a brother: Freddy (Marlene) Farris of Florida; and a sister: Carol Harper, Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Stephanie Nicole Farris.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery with the Korean War Honor Guard presenting honors. The visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a Masonic Service at 8 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to final expenses, c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.