William E. "Bill" Farley

William "Bill" Farley, 95, of New Castle, passed away Sunday morning, January 11, 2026, at his residence after a relentless eight-year battle with cancer.

He was born April 15, 1930, in East Chicago, Indiana, the son of the late Okie Sr. and Elsie (Kirk) Farley. He grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. During his time in school, he played football and ran track. Bill served as quarterback in multiple state football championships and completed two undefeated seasons. He also competed in multiple state championships in track and field.

After graduating high school, Bill was recruited to play football at the University of Kentucky, where he was coached by the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant. He played in both the Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl. Bill graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later earned his Master of Arts degree from Ball State University in 1968.

Bill served as a member of the United States Air Force. During his military service, he played football for the USAFE as quarterback for the London team in London, England. He went on to win 18 of 19 total games over two seasons. His team won championships over both France and Germany. He was commissioned as an aide-de-camp on the governor's staff with the rank of Kentucky Colonel.

Bill retired in 1987 after a 30-year career as a teacher at Richmond Community High School, where he devoted himself to the education and well-being of his students. He taught biology, health, and physical education and coached both football and baseball. As head baseball coach from 1969 to 1982, he achieved 217 career wins, winning 73 percent of his games. His teams earned three conference championships, nine sectional titles, four regional titles, and advanced to one semi-state game. He was named North Central Conference Coach of the Year in 1970 (second place, 5–2 record), 1976 (tied for first place, 5–2 record), and 1979 (first place, 6–1 record). He also coached in the Seventh Annual Hall of Fame Series baseball game in 1981.

Throughout his life, Bill was an avid collector of cuckoo clocks, coins, and sports cards. In addition to being an accomplished coach and dedicated teacher, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and doing yard work.

Left to cherish Bill's memory include his devoted wife of 50 years, Josephine "Jo" (Jones) Farley of New Castle; two sons, Kirk (Deb) Farley of Peoria, AZ, and Kyle Farley of Fort Lauderdale, FL; three daughters, Bev (Charlie) Carr of New Castle, Lisa (Rick) Mustaine of New Castle, and Vicky Hattely of New Castle; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Okie Farley Jr.; his sister, Lura "Bobbi" Farley; and a son-in-law, John Hattley.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home, 2400 South Memorial Drive, New Castle, with Dr. Michele White of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be held on Tuesday at South Mound Cemetery, with military rights to follow.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2025 at the funeral home.

You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of William Eugene Farley.