Farrer was last seen fishing on a boat in Rocky Comfort Creek near Louisville, Georgia between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on September 13, 2002. Later that same day, his boat was found in the creek, positioned over a fallen tree nearly one foot above the waterline off Clarks Mill Road west of Louisville, which is Farrer's favorite fishing place. Farrer's three fishing rods, his cage of crickets, and his hat, upside down, were on the boat. His truck was parked on shore nearby with his keys and shotgun inside.

An extensive search of Rocky Comfort Creek and the surrounding woods turned up no indications of Farrer's whereabouts. Authorities believe he probably suffered a mishap on the water and drowned, but they did investigate other theories, such as foul play, suicide and a voluntary disappearance. Farrer was not having any financial problems at the time of his disappearance and he has not used any of his credit cards since he went missing.

Investigators found no evidence that Farrer left of his own accord, and he was happy with his life at the time of his disappearance and was not having any personal problems. He was semi-retired and caring for his mother. Farrer's family believes he met with foul play. He had been attacked by two men with a stun gun at the entrance to Rocky Comfort Creek in February 2002; it is unclear whether any arrests were made in the assault. He remains classified as a missing person and his disappearance remains unsolved.