William Henry Fariss, 58, of North Garden, passed away on September 11, 2024. Born on March 23, 1966, in Charlottesville, he was the son of the late Sterling Fariss and Alice Johnson Fariss and was also preceded in death by his brothers: Eddie Fariss, George Fariss, and James Fariss.

William is survived by his wife, Beverly Spangler Fariss; his stepdaughter, Leslie Johnson; and his brother, John W. Fariss.

An avid outdoorsman, William enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He was also passionate about riding motorcycles and go-karts with friends and was a member of the Alberene Masonic Lodge No. 277.

William was a Virginia Certified Journeyman Machinist, having completed his apprenticeship through Virginia Panel Corporation. He was employed as a laboratory instrument maker at the University of Virginia’s Physics Department, where he took great pleasure in assisting staff and graduate students with their research. Previously, he worked at the NASA flight facility at Wallops Island, contributing to the NASROC programs by building sounding rockets. Prior to his role at NASA, he spent 18 years as the machine shop manager at National Optronics.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.