Birth date: Oct 1, 1915 Death date: Apr 10, 2007
Billy Douglas Farris, 91, beloved husband and father, passed away at St. Bernardine Medical Center April 10, 2007. Billy was a chief budget officer 30 years for civil service at NAFB. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Lilli Read Obituary
It was with great saddness to hear that my Uncle Billy had passed away. which only leaves two remaining of my Fathers siblings. He came from a Family of 15 Children. My love to Aunt Lillian and family##imported-begin##Rosalie G. (Farris) Hart##imported-end##
Old Bill was my first teacher. I was 15 years old and my dad took me down to see the school because my Grandmother bought me a Black Belt magazine. It was twilight and I don't think we turned the lights on and there was one other student in the place. I just wanted to watch, but Bill encouraged me to try it out. What he showed me was simple and practical and by the end of class I had decided. This old man had bones like stone and tied me up in knots with little effort. I knew at that point I could do it and it was something that could be taught, so I had to learn. I went to every beginning class without missing one class till I was a brown belt.
Bill was teaching the class while Griff and Willie were out on vacation. I got to meet them a few weeks later. It was always great to have Bill in the class. I remember him telling me a story about having to change to a safety razor from a strait razor because he almost cut his nose off one day.
Anyway, if it were not for Bill I may not have ever met any of you or continued on with the martial arts. My life would be a very different place. Karate instilled in me a purpose and a way to live. It led me to be a Chiropractor and brought me to my wife. As I have taught over the years I can not tell you how many lives I have touched and changed for the better. You never know who or how you help someone. Bill helped set the course and tone for my life.
##imported-begin##Robert Haberkorn DC##imported-end##
It deeply sadens me to learn that Bill has passed away. He made many friends at the karate school. Each of us learned from him and enjoyed his fellowship. He will be missed by many.
John Maginnis, 5th Dan##imported-begin##John Maginnis AKA "Mugs"##imported-end##
I knew "Wild Bill" from the Shorin Ryu Karate school. Bill must have been in his late 60's or maybe even 70 when he earned his black belt. That is quite an accomplishment. I enjoyed sparring with Bill. Bill had been a boxer and a wrestler in his younger days. He had a lot to offer us younger guys with his knowledge and experience. I'm sorry to hear that he has passed on.
Ron Collins ##imported-begin##Ron Collins##imported-end##
