George Edwin Farmer

FARMER, George Edwin, 65, of Brandon, passed away February 20, 2010 as the result of lung cancer. George was born on December 17, 1944 in Tampa, FL to George and Ethel Farmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Edwin Farmer, Sr. and Ethel Farmer and sister Linda Linares. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 28 years, Susan, and his beloved children, Matthew and Clare; sisters, Elizabeth (Phil) Anderson and Brenda Medero. Mother and Father-in-Law Jack and Eileen Carson. Brothers-in-law, Stephen Carson; Howard Carson (Lydia); Jeff Carson (Maribeth); Gary Carson. Nephews, Michael Gullo, Tony Medero, Brian Carson, Jeremy Carson, Alexander Carson, Jack B. Carson; Nieces, Angela Fisher, Kelly Tudeen, Megan Medero, Angela Carson, Melissa Carson, and Rebecca Carson. He also leaves behind many friends and colleagues. George attended Oak Park Elementary School, Benjamin Franklin Jr. H.S. and was a 1963 graduate of King H.S. After serving in the U.S. Army, he attended the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, graduating with a B.A. in piano performance. He received his Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma at Norman where he also played in the Pride of Oklahoma band. George began his music career at Dowdell Jr. High as the chorus director; he then went to Frostproof High School as band director. In 1977 he became director of bands at Cypress Lake H.S., Ft. Myers, FL . He went on to serve as band director at Pebble Creek H.S., GA; Miami Southwest H.S., FL; Holdenville H.S., OK; Fairview M.S., OK; and Ft. Stockton H.S., TX. George returned to Florida in 1985 and served as band director at Spruce Creek H.S. Port Orange, FL. In 1986 he returned to Hillsborough County and served as band director at Robinson H.S. (1986-87); Chamberlain H.S. (1987-1989); and Hillsborough H.S. Big Red Band (1989-2001). He taught music and piano at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School for the Arts; worked at Progress Middle Magnet School for the Arts; and for the last two years he was a music teacher at Caminiti Exceptional Center. George was also a music composer. Many of his compositions have been published by Daehn Music Publications and have been played by bands throughout the United States. He wrote “When Angels Weep” and it was premiered by the University of South Florida symphonic band in 2002. The family wishes to thank Dr. Lewis Auerbach and his staff; Dr. Randy Kahn and his staff; the Ascera Health Care Wound Team; and finally the LifePath Hospice Indigo Team for their concern and care. A celebration of his life and music will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to LifePath Hospice or the George Farmer Music Scholarship Fund (address to follow). George was a force of nature and influenced many young people in his role as band director and music teacher. He will be remembered for his caring, candor, and wicked sense of humor. He leaves a musical legacy that will always be with us.