Cecil Junior Farist

Cecil J. Farist, age 92, of Marietta, Georgia passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday February 26, 2023. Cecil grew up in the Cartecay District of Ellijay in Gilmer County, Georgia, son of the late Rev. Joseph B. and Jennie Evans Farist. He married Merle Davis of Ellijay before receiving numerous medals for his service in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Cecil and Merle moved to Detroit where he began working for General Motors before ultimately returning to Georgia to live in Marietta for almost 70 years. Never one to idle, he also owned and operated an automobile body shop and a fence installation company when he was not working at the Doraville Plant. Cecil would go on to retire after 32 years with General Motors.

Cecil remained active in retirement with many hobbies and areas of interest, including deer hunting and trout fishing in the North Georgia mountains. He could often be found working in the yard (cutting his own grass until this past year), tinkering with lawn mowers and other small engines in his workshop, and helping Merle with her bountiful vegetable and fruit garden which netted his friends, neighbors, and grandkids a well-stocked pantry. Cecil also enjoyed serving his community as an active member of GracePointe Marietta Church for over 50 years.

Cecil is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Merle, and son Mark (Debra). He is also survived by three grandchildren Owen (Courtney), Ben (Amanda), and Anna (Harley) as well as four great grandchildren. Cecil is preceded in death by his 11 siblings – Beulah Evans, Homer Farist, Pluma Chastain, Ruby Farist, Grady Farist, Tandy Farist, Charles Farist, Avery Farist, Clora Nealey, and Carl Farist.

Cecil’s Celebration of Life will be held on Monday March 6, 2023 at GracePointe Marietta Church, 505 Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30060 at 11:00am. The family will receive friends from 10:00am to 11:00am. After the service, Cecil will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to GracePointe Marietta Church at https://thegracepointe.com/giving in Cecil’s honor.