Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for Harlie Wallace Farren


05/17/1940 - 12/28/2016


Hal Farren lived in Tusquittee in his very own “Tree House” on Julie Mountain. Early in the morning of December 28th, he heard a calling for some music. Never being able to resist the urge to “dance” when asked, boogied towards the sound to a new party in heaven, where the music plays on forever.

In addition to his wife, Lynda Farren, he leaves behind a large and loving family: sons Mike Farren, Glenn Farren, and daughters and sons-in-law Caroline Vale with her husband Richard, Margaret Dean, with her husband Christopher. His grandchildren include Hannah Vale, Aric Vale, Joseph Vale, Lillian Vale, Cecilia Vale, Shirley Vale, Wallace Matthias Vale, Abigale Dean, James Dean, Mary Dean, Morgan Farren, Peyton Farren, and Andy Farren. Sisters Karen Olszewski, and husband Dennis, and Nancy Matthew. All of us know that he is zooming around heaven on the biggest, and loudest Harley they have up there.

Hal had a wry sense of humor and was known to introduce himself as a “Sharp Dude” (his actual email address) to many. Every year on the winter solstice (the longest night of the year) he would greet you with a “it won’t be long now.” Hal enjoyed every day of his life, finding bright moments in each day, especially those with his wife, Lynda. He summed up his 40th high school reunion a few years ago by listing his life’s highlights: “World Class Woman, Labrador Retriever, and a Harley Sportster.”

Hal loved the outdoors. He canoed the length of the Mississippi from the headwaters to New Orleans, was an avid boater and water-skier, and also enjoyed hunting. The family recalls a Thanksgiving served with a duck Hal had brought home. Caroline remembers being told to “chew carefully because I needed to avoid the bullets. Being a kid, I was really careful.” His jokes were better than his bullets.

Hal served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and brought the work ethic and sense of duty to his long and successful business career. He served as president of Micro-Dynamics, a manufacturer of satellite dishes before moving to Clay County 23 years ago, where he and Lynda owned and operated Subway franchises in both Hayesville and Hiawassee until his retirement.

His retirement allowed the Sharp Dude to pursue his longtime passion- making custom knives, where he raised his blade-smithing talent from a craft to an art form. He dearly enjoyed the craftsmanship most of all trying unique materials for handles - he once even used a computer motherboard. He recently transitioned from crafting and selling to teaching. He hoped to share his love of knives with others and joined Hayesville’s Premium Knife Supply starting a program teaching young people how to design and construct knives.

He served on the board of the Clay County Historical and Arts Council, generously donating his artful knives to the fund raising events of many other local organizations. As a testimony to his humility, he was widely known for helping friends and the community without fanfare or the expectation of public recognition. It was no coincidence that Hal’s quiet labors were intended to benefit others. And Hal would be pleased to know that his selfless assistance was, is, and will remain, deeply appreciated by its recipients.

A “Celebration of Life” event was held on Sunday at the Tusquittee Tavern where a large crowd gathered to share memories of the many ways that Hal had touched their lives..... some with literally life changing effect. Hal was the favorite dance partner for many of the gals at the Tavern, and it was his second home. He has a large family there which will never forget the “Sharp Dude”.

We leave you with his favorite closing phrase ...... “Regards and Best Fishes”
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com


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