Otis James "Pete" Farmer

.Otis James “Pete” Farmer passed away peacefully in his home on August 16, 2026. A native of Altavista, Virginia, he was born on January 15, 1940 to Wayne Vinton Farmer and Virginia Newman Farmer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Okie R. Farmer and Kenneth W. Farmer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Becky Farmer, his daughter, DeNay Smith (Jim), his son, Wayne Farmer (Missy), three grandsons; Hunter Smith (Ashley), Lawson Farmer (Elisabeth) and Joshua Farmer, and three great grandchildren; Wade Smith, Harper Farmer and Weston Smith and also his sister, Sue Mattox and his sister-in-law Frankie Farmer and a host of nieces and nephews. He attended Ferrum Junior College and then RPI, which is now Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated with a degree in marketing. He later received his Master’s degree from Old Dominion University. Pete was a teacher in the Newport News School system spending most of his career at Ferguson High School where he taught Marketing. Pete was an active and faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Smithfield, Virginia. He served as a Sunday School teacher, a trustee and was a member of the United Methodist Men. He was an active member of the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club and served on the Commission for Aging in Isle of Wight County for many years. Pete had a special love for Camp Rainbow Connection, a camp for individuals with disabilities run by the United Methodist Church. He and Becky spent many summers as counselors at Camp Rainbow. His greatest joy and source of pride was his family. His favorite times were when all of them were together for dinner or holidays. He loved to just sit back and watch the beautiful chaos. It was his greatest joy. He was generous to a fault. He constantly bought little gifts for all his loved ones just to surprise them. If there was a need, he was the first to try and help. He had a sausage biscuit ministry at church that raised thousands of dollars for missions over the years. There will be a visitation at Little’s Funeral Home on Thursday, August 20th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be Friday, August 21st at 2:00 at Bethany United Methodist Church with graveside to follow in the church cemetery. A reception will then be held in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bethany United Methodist Church, 13088 Mill Swamp Road, Smithfield, Virginia 23430.