Hansford White “Bill” Farris, professor emeritus of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Michigan, died Dec. 7, 2014, in Gainesville, Florida. He was 95.
He was born in Kentucky to Dr. Jacob and Zola Farris.
On a single momentous day in June of 1942, Bill not only married the great love of his life, Vera Maybury Farris, but also graduated from Eastern Kentucky State University and entered the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He served in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, from 1942-46. Following his studies at the University of Illinois and an assistant professorship at University of Kentucky, he began his doctoral studies in 1953 at the University of Michigan, and was involved in research with the Electrical Engineering Department’s Electronic Defense Group.
He was appointed assistant professor of electrical engineering at Michigan in 1959, associate professor in 1960 and professor in 1962. In the following years, he served as department chairman, associate as well as interim dean in the College of Engineering. Other appointments included director of the Electronic Defense Group and associate director of the Institute of Science and Technology. Students voted him teacher of the year several times.
Among his major projects at Michigan were the initiation of the College of Engineering’s off-campus interactive, distance learning television network and, in the mid-’70s, the writing and narration of “Future Without Shock,” a series of 10 half-hour programs on the role of the engineer in modern society. These programs have been aired widely and were recently presented in Gainesville as a lecture series. He retired from U-M in 1981, having made major contributions as a teacher, researcher and administrator. After retirement, Farris and his wife moved to Gainesville, Florida.
Among his professional affiliations, he was active and held office in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the National Electronics Conference and the Engineers Council for Professional Development. As a consultant, he evaluated academic/research programs for accreditation. He received many professional awards, among them the U-M/Amoco Good Teaching Award. His memberships include IEEE, Eta Kappa Nu, Sigma Xi and Tau Beta Pi, R.F.U.F. and F.O.L.
After he and Vera moved to Gainesville, he was called out of retirement to initiate the electrical engineering program at the University of North Florida. He volunteered faithfully and enthusiastically at the Friends of the Library until his 95th birthday. He will be remembered by his treasured friends as a gentleman and a scholar.
Survivors include daughter Diane Farris (Ted Runions), son Lawrence Farris (Pat), grandchildren Andrew Uelsmann (Jessica), Jordan Farris (Joanna) and Rachel Farris (Fernando Furquim) and four great-grandchildren. When Vera died, they had celebrated 68 years of marriage. Bill was also preceded in death by brothers Thomas and Duncan Farris.
Any donations can go to Friends of the Library, 430-B North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. Visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.
— Submitted by Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, Gainesville, Florida
