Richard Henry Farrell, Jr.

Richard Henry Farrell, Jr., 86, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on March 9, 2026, at home. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 23, 1940, to Richard Henry Farrell, Sr., and Patricia Arvilla Harmon, he spent his youth and early adulthood in Chicago before moving to Florida in 1979. He embraced the Florida climate, where he became an avid gardener, creating beautiful gardens at each home he shared with his family.

Raised largely by his paternal relatives during his early childhood, Richard was especially close to his Uncle Frank and Aunt Harriet, who doted on him. Harriet lovingly called him “her Richie Boy,” and he cherished her deeply. He graduated from Amundsen High School in 1957 and began his career at the Illinois Bell Telephone Company, advancing from the mail room through engineering and management roles over more than 30 years. As a young husband and father, he took on additional jobs, including at KFC, bartending, and as an auxiliary police officer, always working hard to support his family. Through his example, he taught the lasting values of integrity and a strong work ethic.

In 1957, Richard met the love of his life, Kristi Lynn Burkee. Their connection felt destined to him; he believed he had first seen her years earlier as a young boy at Wells Park. They married in 1961 and shared a loving 61-year marriage filled with adventures until her passing in 2023. He often said she made him the man he became and looked forward to being reunited with her.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran who served six years in the Reserves, Richard valued the experience and the lifelong friendship of his best friend, Douglas Alexander, who joined him at boot camp in Parris Island. Above all, Richard considered his greatest achievement the family he and Kristi built together. He is survived by his sons, Richard Henry Farrell III and Christopher Jon Farrell; his daughter, Vicki Lynn Farrell Knowles; his daughters-in-law, Kerri Lynn Farrell and Staci Danyel Farrell; his grandsons, Sean Michael Knowles, Richard Henry Farrell IV (Susanna), Ryan Andrew Farrell (Grace), and Cade Wylan Farrell; his granddaughters, Katherine Lynn Knowles and Nyah Danyel Farrell; and his great-grandchildren, Adalind Ayla Farrell and Callum August Farrell. He was also lovingly accompanied by his feline companion, Wolfman (Wolfie), who brought comfort after Kristi’s passing.