William Vernon Farrell, Jr.

DURHAM Mr. William Vernon Farrell, Jr., 92, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 23, 2016.
He was born in Chatham County on October 19, 1924 to the late William Farrell, Sr. and Florence Goss Farrell. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Flora F. McGee, Loma F. Fox and Annie Blanche Farrell.
William is survived by his wife of 69 years, Frances Farrell; three sons, James Farrell Sr. and wife, Betty, Kent Farrell and Gary S. Farrell and wife, Phyllis; five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
William lived in Durham most of his life and was a graduate of Oak Grove High School where he was Valedictorian. He served in the U. S. Army in WWII in Co. F 313 Infantry and was awarded a Purple Heart for his war injuries. He retired from the U. S. Postal Service in 1979.
William was a strong and unwavering Christian. He loved and served his Lord and shared his faith in prayer and serving others. He was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and baseball coach. He was active until his health prevented him from attending.
William in earlier years loved working in his garden, fishing and hunting, playing sports with his sons and their friends. Both he and his wife were very active in church activities and visiting shut-ins.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church. Rev. Hugh O’Shields will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be J. J. Farrell, Mark Farrell, Lindy Buffkin, David Fox, Everette Cooley and Mickey Phillips.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethesda Baptist Church, 1914 S. Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Durham V. A. Hospital where William was a patient for the last two months. The loving care of these people is unmatched anywhere.