Toby Farris

Toby James Farris, 80, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, in Belding, Michigan (Grattan Township). He moved from North Carolina to Michigan in 2019 to be closer to family. Born in Dallas, Texas to Richard James and Peggy Jean (McWhorter) Farris, Toby always remained proud of his Texas roots. In 1962, he answered the call to serve his nation, joining the United States Army. During six years of service, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and remained proud of his military service throughout his life. He was honorably discharged in 1968. An intelligent and inventive thinker, Toby worked for many years in agricultural technology and specialty mushroom cultivation. He founded Carolina Agro-Tech Corporation and American Forest Foods Corporation in Asheville, North Carolina, and held several patents related to mushroom spawning equipment. In 1985, he founded the Western Carolina Entrepreneurial Council and participated in regional small-business development efforts. His work was recognized with the Governor's Entrepreneurial Excellence Award in 1985 and 1986, and he was selected as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. He received grant support from the United States Department of Agriculture in 1985 and 1986 and was listed in Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America. He enjoyed the outdoors, firearms collecting, and caring for animals. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard J. Farris and Peggy J. (McWhorter) Farris; his sister, Eloise A. (Farris) Kooistra; his brother, Donald R. Farris; and his beloved dogs, Hooch, Missy, and Hooch II. He is survived by his son, Gary J. Farris; daughter, Dawn K. (Farris) Sigourney and son-in-law James Sigourney; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and extended family members. He was laid to rest with military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. Those wishing to honor Toby’s memory may consider a donation to the ASPCA in recognition of his lifelong love for animals.