Former Fulton County Commissioner Milton Carl Farris, 74, died at his home in Buckhead, surrounded by family and friends, on Thursday, June 6, 2019 of complications from exposure to Agent Orange while serving as a combat soldier in Vietnam. Mr. Farris had served for 3 years on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners from 1991 through 1993. During his tenure with the Board of Commissioners, Mr. Farris was key in helping to secure funding for the 1996 Olympic Stadium and an enthusiastic supporter of the work of the Fulton County Police Department. 

Mr. Farris was born on September 9, 1944 and raised in Southwest Atlanta where he attended both Brown High School and Southwest High School, the institution from which he graduated from in 1962. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving from 1963 though1966. While in U.S. Army Airborne, he served in Vietnam as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, participating in two major campaigns including the Battle of la Drang Valley. His service earned Mr. Farris the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Following his time in the Army, Mr. Farris graduated from Georgia State University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Later finding success in the business world, Mr. Farris was the owner of Farris & Associates, a commercial real estate brokerage firm and well as CEO of Silva Gas Technologies. He was a supporter of the Piedmont Hospital Foundation and InCommunity, a provider of residential and day services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Mr. Farris is survived by his wife of 51 years, Peggy Borg Farris, and two sons, all of Atlanta: Milton Glenn “M.G.” Farris, II (Lelanie Morrison Farris) and their son Julian Carl Farris; and Evan Borg Farris. Others who survive him include: his sister, Janet Farris Boden (Walter); brothers, William Derrick “Derry” Farris, and Stewart Glenn Farris (Susan); and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Glenn Farris and Elizabeth Herzberg Farris, and his sister, Sandra Farris Ragan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Piedmont Healthcare, Piedmont Atlanta Tower Capital Campaign, 2001 Peachtree Road, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30309 or www.piedmont.org; or InCommunity, 1200 Old Ellis Road, Roswell, GA 30076.