Robert Allyn Farmer, known as Coach Farmer, passed away in his home on March, 11, 2018 after a protracted battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Sohm Farmer, children, David Farmer, Sarah Stevens Ellis and Paul Stevens, grandchildren, Erin Ellis, Luke Ellis, Nate Stevens and Emma Stevens. He was preceded in death by two children, Leisa Farmer and Michael Farmer. Coach Farmer was a stand-out football player at Messick High School, who played one year of football at the University of Arkansas. He graduated with an MA in history from the University of Memphis. He taught history and coached for 42 years in the Memphis City, Shelby County and Tunica County school systems, including Messick High School, Frayser High School, Raliegh-Egypt, Kingsbury, Rhodes College, Rosa Fort in Tunica, MS and  Hillcrest High School. He was a strong supporter of the University of Memphis football program. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren, teaching Sunday school at Longstreet Methodist Church, taking care of his cats and going to the University of Memphis football games.  Coach Farmer was not just a great defensive football guru. He was a man who developed character, strength, courage, a strong work ethic and integrity in everyone he coached and mentored. He touched the lives of thousands of individuals throughout the Greater Memphis area and at Rosa Fort in Tunica, MS. He will be missed. A memorial service will be held at Longsteet United Methodist Church, 5268 Airways Blvd. Memphis, TN 38116 on Thursday, March 15 at 4 p.m. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park, South 901-346-3250