Mr. Farris was born May 12, 1936, in Columbus, and was the son of Ralph Edward and Remah Farris.
He was an educator for 40 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ashland University and a master’s degree from Kent State University. He began his teaching career at Madison High School in 1958. After teaching at Madison for 14 years he taught at Lexington High School for three years.
In 1977, Mr. Farris, his wife Joyce, and daughter Nancy moved to Colorado. He taught in the St. Vrain Valley School District (Longmont, CO) for 21 years. He was also an adjunct faculty member for 10 years for Regis University and the Front Range Community College. Mr. Farris retired from teaching in Colorado in 2000.
In December of 2003, Bill and Joyce returned to Ashland. Upon his return Farris served as consultant and Station Manager for the Zion Lutheran Church’s Christian community radio station in Loudonville and also taught classes as an adjunct faculty member for North Central State College.
Mr. Farris was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland. He was a lifelong member of the National Education Association. For over 25 years he enjoyed restoring, driving, and showing British MG sports cars and wrote over 30 published articles for several MG car club magazines in the UK and the United States.
Mr. Farris was a great sports fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Guardians, Cavaliers, and Browns, as well as Formula 1 racing.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce A. Leaman, who he married September 1, 1956. He is also survived by his daughter, Nancy and son-in-law Duane Thorpe, of Des Moines, Iowa; two grandchildren, Britany (Adam) Barden and Brad (Madison) Thorpe; as well as two great grandchildren, Brooks and Brynlee. Mr. Farris was a proud uncle to four nephews, Ramon (Tracie Weller) McMillen, Randy (Kathy) McMillen, Terry (Wanda Crisp) McMillen, and Tracy (Sue) McMillen; two nieces, Joyce (Ray, deceased) Steinle and Jody (Dave) Edwards; two special great nieces, Jolene Edwards, Joni (Adam) Hiller and daughter, Emily.
His parents preceded him in death.
Friends may visit the family from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland. A private graveside service will be held at Ashland Cemetery at a later date. The family would like to especially thank Dave and Jody Edwards for all of their help and support during difficult times and every day. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice. Wappner Funeral Directors-Ashland is honored to serve the Farris family.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
