JACKSONVILLE  -  It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Phillip Edward Farney on Saturday, June 22, 2024. At 57, he left us too soon, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever be etched in our hearts. Phill was a man of many wonderful qualities.

As a middle school teacher, he brought laughter and inspiration to countless students. The connections he made with his students were priceless. A former student messaged the family saying, "Mr. Farney, he was definitely one of the best and realest teachers I've had from the bottom of my heart". He was awarded NWPMS-AVID Teacher of the Year 2021.

Phill was an awesome mentor to new teachers. One of his fellow teachers wrote, he "didn't hesitate to take three brand new teachers under your wing. We came to you with our tempers, our tears, and our triumphs. Every morning, like clockwork, your room was open for belly laughs and breakfast before the day of chaos began. ...Your profound love for your wife, random knowledge of baseball teams we've never heard of, elite sarcasm, and PopTart variety kept us smiling for three years and God knows how many hours away from work." Phill was awarded Onslow County Mentor of the Year for 2022-2023.

After some time away from his faith, Phill rediscovered Christ's love for him and was rebaptized in 2009. His passion for God and his desire to share his faith was inspiring. He worked with the FCA-Fellowship of Christian Athletes at his previous school. He devoured the Bible, reading it in its entirety in 90 days. He so wanted to share the message of Christ's love and salvation to others that he contacted the correctional faculty in Kenansville inquiring about teaching Bible classes. He never shied away from an opportunity to share his beliefs or prayer for someone in need or repeatedly remind his wife that "God will take care of us" in any situation.

Phill's humor was unmatched, bringing joy to everyone who knew him. With his red hair and vibrant spirit, he was a truly unique and special person. Whether he was making up a song about his cats or his wife or some other random observance, Phill could make anyone smile and feel good. He was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills (he started every season with unshakable, high hopes), the Toronto Blue Jays, a video gamer, and an avid NASCAR enthusiast, passions that he shared with enthusiasm. Above all, he loved his wife, Melissa, with all his heart. And she felt it every single day they spent together.

We will miss you Phill. Our hearts are broken. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, dear husband, son, brother, uncle, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Phillip is survived by

His wife, Melissa Dail Farney, of Jacksonville,

His parents, Douglas and Irene Farney, of Greensboro,

His sister, Lisa Farney Frye (Jeffery), of Greensboro,

Nephews Hayden and Griffey Frye of Los Angeles, California,

His brother, Steven Farney (Erin), of Greensboro,

Nieces Stella and Julia Farney of Greensboro,

Parent-in-laws, Harvey and Jean Dail, of Jacksonville,

Sister-in-law, Tessy Dail Malone (Robb) of Raleigh,

Niece and nephews, Owen, Abby, and Brody Malone of Raleigh.

Funeral arrangements for Phill:

Friday, June 28th Jones Funeral Home on Chaney Ave, Jacksonville Visitation @ 1 pm

Service @ 2 pm

* There will be a time during the service for family and friends to share memories

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

The Boys and Girls Club

https://bgcsenc.org/donate-now/

Be sure to designate Onslow County.

Adoption First Animal Rescue

https://adoptionfirstanimalrescue.com/

CAPS-Carolina Animal Protection Society of Onslow County http://www.capsrescue.com/donate.html