Lewis Larue Farmer

Legacy of Love In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14.2 (KJV) Lewis Larue Farmer better known as Big or Lil Lew was born July 27, 1985 to Annette Farmer. He was the 3rd out of 6 on his mother side and the baby boy on his father side. He was preceded in death by his father Preston Clark. Lewis Farmer ascended in his career at NSWC Dahlgren Division so he could reach back and help others. The Richmond, Virginia, native grew up in a single-parent household with five siblings living in a two-bedroom apartment and as a youth, needed to get on the right track. After an enlightening conversation with his high school basketball coach, Farmer decided to turn his life around and focus on academics. Lewis said putting education first “was the bridge and the stepping stone” that enabled him to earn a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees and propelled him to serve as a system tester in the Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department at NSWC Dahlgren Division. “Not to seem cliché, but God heard the prayers from others who prayed for me when I didn’t know how to pray for myself,” Farmer said. “I honestly feel that way. I truly appreciate anybody who ever took a little bit of stock in me.” After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School, Lewis attended Virginia Union University (VUU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He continued his higher education at Virginia State University and earned a master’s in mathematics and another in computer science. Lewis worked as a teacher at John Marshall High School before becoming an instructor at VUU, where he eventually became chairperson of the mathematics department. In 2016, Lewis joined NSWC Dahlgren Division and within the past eight years has recruited at least 15 VUU graduates to also join the workforce. In his spare time, Lewis was an active participant with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and in his church. “I’m real big on remembering where I came from,” Lewis said. “I’m in this position so I can inspire people who are in seats I sat in previously. That’s very important to me.” Lewis began his career at NSWC Dahlgren Division as a cost estimator in the Integrated Combat Systems Department. As a system tester, he supported the Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar program. In this role, he was responsible for writing test procedures, planning test events and executing tests locally and at various events across the country. Lewis leaves to cherish wonderful memories: his beloved mother, Annette Farmer (Orlando Battle); 4 brothers, Derek Farmer (Rebecca), Mario Farmer, Jerrod Jackson and Kelvin Wall; 5 sisters, Kimberly Wall, Andrea Ruffin, Cavonia Washington, Tonya and Tanya Edwards; devoted friends Robert Timmons and William Banian III, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Lewis Larue Farmer

July 27, 1985 - July 2, 2024