Isaac Newton Farris Sr. dies at 83
ATLANTA - Isaac Newton Farris Sr., the brother-in-law of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and founding member of the King Center, peacefully died today at his home. He was 83 years old.
Farris married Christine King Farris in August of 1960 at a ceremony performed by Martin Luther King Jr. and A.D. King.
"He wasn't caught up marrying into a prominent family," his daughter Angela Farris-Watkins told the Associated Press by phone. "He was secure in his own right."
He founded Farris Color Visions and was a founding member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. He was also the project manager for the King Center's construction.
"Through all the tragedies and victories he helped build the King Center," Farris-Watkins said.
Farris was a member of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 60 years, where he served as a trustee and deacon.
"He was such an integral part of our family and will be sorely missed," Farris-Watkins said.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Christine King Farris, his son Isaac Farris Jr., his daughter Dr. Angela Farris-Watkins, his granddaughter Farris Watkins, his sister Gail Farris Joyce, and a number of other nieces, nephews, and more.
Funeral arrangements will be entrusted to Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. in Atlanta.