Austin Winfree Farley passed away on May 24, 2023, in Laramie, Wyoming. He was born on June 23, 1931, in Richmond, Virginia, to Edward and Eileen Farley.
Austin was a 1953 graduate of the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy. He served in the US Army during the Korean War, with most of his service as a Pharmacist in Tokyo, Japan.
He owned and operated River Road Pharmacy in Richmond, Virginia, for 36 years, retiring in April 1996. His pharmacy business was a Richmond “west end” treasure. Austin maintained strong personal relationships with his customers, provided in-store accounts, and home delivery.
Austin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Winnie Fountain Farley; two sons, Alex Farley (Devyn) and Russell Farley (Dana); nephew Scott Futrell (Mary Jarvis); and granddaughters Karen Wainscott (Josh), Rachyl Farley, and Becky Farley.
Austin’s faith was very important to him. From an early age through early adulthood, he was an active member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church. Shortly after marriage, Austin and Winnie were asked to start a church in their home which became Derbyshire Baptist Church in Richmond. He served seven years on the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board which led to a return trip to Japan. He was an active layperson, even in his later years.
Having grown up in Richmond surrounded by history, Austin was very interested in Civil War history. He enjoyed reading books, attending roundtables, and collecting generals’ autographs.
In Virginia, Austin loved the family getaway in the country at Lakeside Village, “the cottage,” where he could frequently be seen fishing or blackberry picking.
Following retirement, Austin and Winnie moved to Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, where they enjoyed making new friends, attending church, the local seafood, and traveling. Trips included Costa Rica, England, Portugal, and Switzerland. In May 2021, Austin and Winnie moved to Wyoming to be closer to family.
Austin was an avid letter-writer, and he enjoyed corresponding with his many friends who appreciated the carefully hand-written letters. He loved humor and was always ready to share a joke or a funny story.
The family would like to recognize and thank the outstanding caregivers and medical professionals at Spring Wind Assisted Living, Ivinson Medical Group, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, and Hospice of Laramie.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice of Laramie would be appreciated.
