Mr. Billy “Bill” Gene Farrell, age 86, of Centre, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. And if he were here, he’d probably be telling you not to make a fuss, take care of yourself and each other and above all else, live life to the fullest.
Born on February 27, 1939, in Cairo, Illinois, to Oather and Alice Farrell, Bill lived a life that was anything but ordinary. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, traveling the world, collecting stories, and probably causing a little good-natured trouble along the way. He considered his military service one of his greatest accomplishments, right up there with being a dad, a Pawpaw, and having a laugh that could fill the room.
Following his Navy retirement, he returned home to raise his kids and work at the Tennessee Valley Authority in Paducah, Kentucky. He later moved to Marietta, Georgia, where he worked as a machinist for Lockheed Martin, reigniting his lifelong love of airplanes, and probably finding new folks to crack jokes with on the job.
Bill was a man of discipline and deep integrity, but don’t let that fool you—he had a heart as big as his laugh and a soft spot for underdogs, kids, and just about anyone who needed a hand. He lived his life with a unique mix of old-school values and a young-at-heart spirit that drew people in. If you were lucky enough to sit with him on a porch (or better yet, in front of a TV on game day), you know the joy of a conversation sprinkled with wisdom, funny stories, and guaranteed laughs.
He loved his Kentucky Wildcats basketball, NASCAR, college football, and anything that gave him an excuse to gather with family and friends. Saturday and Sunday were sacred—less for the sports and more for the togetherness with his lake buddies. He also earned honorary status as “Uncle Bill” to more folks than you could count, proof of his magnetic charm and generous spirit.
He is survived by his children: Michael Farrell (Lori) of Buford, Georgia; Steven Farrell of Centre, Alabama; Jeana Farrell of Centre, Alabama; and daughter-in-law Misty Farrell of Centre, Alabama. He is also survived by his step children: Greg Haynes of Eastaboga, Alabama; Daryl Haynes; and Teresa Evans of Centre, Alabama.
His legacy lives on in his grandchildren: Carson Fay (Patrick) of Kathleen, Georgia; Brianna Farrell of Centre, Alabama; Caleb Farrell of LaFayette, Georgia; Chad Evans of Centre, Alabama; Mandy Cannon of Centre, Alabama; Renee Hayes; Greta Hayes; and 12 great-grandchildren who will no doubt inherit his sense of humor. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family over the years.
Bill is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wives, Nancy Canter Farrell and Barbara Garrett Farrell, his parents, Oather and Alice Farrell, and his brother, Oather Vernon Farrell. We can only imagine the stories being swapped up there.
A Celebration of Life (or as Bill would say, a good ol’ get-together) will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Perry Funeral Home (1611 East Bypass, Centre, Alabama) with Rev. Greg Miller officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
A private burial will follow on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Barlow Cemetery in Barlow, Kentucky, with Rev. Scott Fickes officiating.
In lieu of flowers (because he’d say flowers die too fast anyway), please consider donating to:
We’ll miss his laugh, his stories, and the way he made life a little lighter just by being in the room. But knowing Bill, he’d want us to smile, tell a funny story, and raise a toast to friendship and family in his honor.
“Don’t cry because it’s over—smile because he made you laugh.”
Perry Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
