Rodney Lafayette Farrar, beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on November 20th, 2023 at Baptist Golden Triangle Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Mississippi leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him. Born on April 11, 1975 to Joel Anthony and Betty Sheffield Farrar in Fulton, MS, with three siblings Donna, Todd and Anita. He grew up in and was a lifelong member of Union Grove Baptist Church where he also served as treasurer and director of music. Rod was a graduate of Itawamba Agricultural High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of North Alabama. While attending UNA, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity where he made numerous lifelong friendships. Rod loved all things North Alabama and proudly cheered on the UNA Lions. He could often be found visiting the campus throughout the years. Other interests and hobbies included Harley Davidson, hunting on his family’s farm, and listening to good music. He completed his undergraduate degree from The University of North Alabama (1995-1998) with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in Psychology. He received the 2011 Addiction Professional of the Year award in the state of MS. He was the keynote speaker at the EMDR Australian Association Conference in Sydney, Australia in 2013. As an EMDR trailblazer in the state of MS, Rod was the first to present the new therapy at conferences across the state. He also taught the Addiction Counselor Training Program for the Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals for years. Currently, Rod’s licenses are as follows: Licensed Professional Counselor (MS), National Certified Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (MS), International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Mississippi LPC Board-approved supervisor, and Certified EMDR Therapist.
Funeral services will be 3:00 Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Senter Funeral Home with speakers Chris Duncan, Chad Clardy, Scott Smith, Rod's son Krishtan, and Bro. Bobby Amos. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am at Senter Funeral Home.
Rod is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Onnie and Lillian Sheffield, paternal grandparents, Sam and Floss Farrar, parents, Joel and Betty Farrar, and sister, Anita Gail Farrar. He is survived by his son, Krishtan Farrar of Fulton, Mississippi whom he shared and maintained a long term friendship with Amy Higginbottom and her daughter, Kiowa Steele. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Barkley (Hal) of Tupelo, MS and brother, Todd Farrar (Amy) of Tremont, MS and nieces and nephews Holly Kulp (Luke) and Bailey Menetre (Gracie) of Tupelo, MS, Corey Farrar (Tabitha), and Abbey Brown (Josh) of Fulton, MS and several great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution in Rod’s memory to Extra Mile Recovery c/o Ashley Murphy at 662-962-4938 or Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetary Fund, C/O Todd Farrar, 225 Brewer Road Tremont, MS 38876.