Add a Memory
1955
2025
Faris, William Arlen, baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Monday, February 10, 2025.
Beloved husband of Cynthia Faris (nee Watts); dearest father of Adam (Ashley) Faris and Conner (Ashley) Faris; dear grandfather of Blayke, Lennon, Jackson and Charlie Faris; youngest brother of Kathy (Franz) Todt and Edward (Suzanne) Faris; brother-in-law of Kimberly (John) Higgins, Kathy (Michael) Skinner, Mark (Valeria) Watts and Michael (Kate) Watts; loving son of the late Al and Jewel Faris and son-in-law of Glen and Esther Watts; our dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend of many.
Bill was born and raised in Litchfield, IL graduating from Litchfield High School Class of 1973. It was there that Bill met Cindy, the love of his life, and also found his lifelong passion of photography. He grew his passion for photography and media in college at SIUE where he graduated Class of 1979. Bill and Cindy soon married and moved to Sioux City, IA where they started their family and he began his media career as a News Cameraman for KMEG and later KWWL in Waterloo, IA broadcasting Iowa Hawkeyes sports events. In 1986, opportunity called his young family to St. Louis, Mo which became their forever home and is where Bill planted his roots in the old guard of the close-knit St. Louis media production industry.
Bill spent several years behind the camera directing & producing TV and film media until starting his own media sound stage & production facility called Avatar Studios in Downtown St. Louis. Under Bill’s leadership, Avatar served as a pillar of the local industry and became a creative institution where incredibly talented people came together to create valuable media content for 20+ years. Bill was also a lifetime member of NATAS and served on both the Board of Directors from 2002-2025 as Treasurer and VP of Finance and the Mid-America EMMY Executive Committee. He took tremendous pride in Avatar, his lifelong relationships and his service to this wonderful professional community.
Bill “semi” retired at the end of 2021, but he continued leading his Avatar team into the next chapter of digital media production. His plan in retirement was to enjoy life to the fullest while vacationing, and gathering with loved ones over a gin martini on the rocks with a twist instead of an olive. But most of all, he looked forward to spending time with family as “Pops” to his beloved children and grandchildren.
Services: Funeral Mass at Holy Infant Catholic Church, Ballwin, Friday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
33 Entries
Joan Baker-Jones
March 7, 2025
Cindy, i’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved husband. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kevin Smith
March 7, 2025
To Cindy, Adam, Connor and the Family, We are so deeply sorry to hear this news. Bill was a wonderful man in every sense of the word. I'll always remember his calmness and confidence while under pressure. I knew if things got a little crazy I could turn to him for guidance or a boost of reassurance. He taught me a great deal early in my career and continued to be sounding board over the past 25 years. He made those around him a better person, both personally and professionally...he will be deeply missed. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Denis and Susyn Dees
March 7, 2025
Cindy and family.
Bill and I were neighbors and childhood playmates. I would often cut through our backyards to Bills house to play outside In the yard, garage and front Vanburen St. In high school, I was Bills helper on the Purple Light photo staff. All that meant for me was, I got out of class to assist Bill in photo set ups. For Bill, it turned out to be a start to a wonderful career.
Cindy, you and I were St. Mary’s classmates long before you and Bill met in High School. I am so happy that the two of met and built a wonderful family and life together.
I am writing this from Vermont during the time of Bills funeral service. 3-7-25 at 10:50 a.m. I am with you in thoughts, prayers and spirit.
May Bills love, kindness and spirit remain with you all the days of your lives.
Love and blessings to you all.
Denis and Susyn Dees
KENNY Clayton
March 7, 2025
In loving memory of our years working together. You will be missed
Dr Laurie Burke
March 7, 2025
Dear Cindy and family,
I will always remember Bill as such a warm and caring man, who thought the world of his family, and was always willing to extend a hand when needed. He treated all who met him with compassion and respect, and that earned him the friendship of so many people. Bill truly came into the world to do the Lord's work, and that he did each and every day. Bill's memory will always remain in our hearts, so he will never be forgotten. It was such a pleasure to have known Bill, and I am so thankful our paths crossed many years ago. Rest in peace, my friend, as your job was well done.
Dan Bussey
March 4, 2025
Dear Cindy and Family,
I am sorry to hear about your tremendous loss of Bill. I wish he had gotten more time. Bill gave me my first break in my career, gave me tremendous opportunities for almost 20 years, and always supported me 100%. When my father was in his final days Bill let me take weeks away from work so I could be back in MN through it all - that was what he believed was right - and I will never forget that, and neither will my family. You will be in my prayers for grace and comfort. -Dan
Robin Marian
March 3, 2025
Dear Cindy, Adam, Connor, and your families,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bill. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. Bill was a remarkable person who touched the lives of many with his kindness and warmth.
May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and in the love of those around you. If there is anything you need or any way I can support you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With heartfelt condolences,
Jim MacMorran
March 1, 2025
To Cindy, Adam, Conner: I have so much to say, yet so little comes to my fingertips at the moment. If it had not been for Bill, I'd not be the person I am today. He, along with others, had faith in me since first working together in 1988. That faith built into a strong working relationship, and friendship. I tip more towards 'friendship', because for me, working at Innervision and Avatar was never like a 'job'. It was -- darned near every single day -- a treat...Fun. Challenging. Different every day. More like hanging with friends than actually 'working at a job'. I hope that makes sense. Being part of the Avatar Family for 22 years has been, objectively, a pleasure. Thank you Bill for everything.
Cheryl Anderson
March 1, 2025
Bill was a wonderful, kind man. My condolences go out to Cindy and the family.
Ann Loofbourrow
March 1, 2025
I’m so sad to learn of Bill’s passing. I knew Bill early in his working career when we both worked at KWWL. We would go over to Bill and Cindy’s house in Waterloo and I fondly recall playing volleyball at their house. There was something very special about the love between Bill and Cindy and the kindness in their hearts. My heart breaks for you, Cindy.
May God bless you, Cindy, and your family with comfort and strength at this difficult time.
Tracy Owens
February 27, 2025
Kathy, Franz and family - I'm so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I hope that you all will get comfort from your memories of Bill, and that they put a smile on your face. Love and Hugs -
Barbara Matthew
February 24, 2025
Cindy and family,so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing.I pray god will give you comfort and peace at this difficult time,I will continue to pray for god to give you strength and hope in the days ahead.love,Barbara Matthew.RIP Bill
Fran Mannino
February 24, 2025
Dear Cindy and family,
I was incredibly saddened to hear about Bill. He was such a great guy. I’m so sorry.
Rhonda Vonnahmen (Watts)
February 24, 2025
Cindy and family, so sorry for your loss. May God and all your special memories help you find comfort through the difficult days ahead!
Patricia Whitlock
February 23, 2025
My sympathy to you and your family, Cindy
PJ Jackson
February 21, 2025
I met Bill shortly after he came to Innervision and saw him regularly at Avatar. He always had time to catch up and have a conversation. He and I were parent volunteers at the Ballwin Athletic Association and we spent numerous evenings in the concession stand, selling beer and Pepper Bellies to rowdy Ballwin-ites. Those were good times.
He had countless friends in the biz and will be missed. God's peace be with all who know and loved him.
John Nickel
February 20, 2025
I worked with Bill in the innervision and avatar days, he was a great guy, honest, always took the high road, and was great fun to be around. We will all miss him!
Cindy Keeney
February 20, 2025
He was a great boss, friend and neighbor and will surely be missed. May his family (Cindy, Adam, Conner and their families)
find God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love Nd hugs to all of you .
Jim Allen
February 19, 2025
Sorry to hear about Bill. Our condolences and prayers to Cindy and family.
Bill worked for my father’s newspaper as a photographer.
Deborah Lewey Brest
February 18, 2025
Thoughts and prayers
Nancy Sutton
February 18, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rae Cowert
February 18, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Adam, know that you, Ashley, and the girls as well as the rest of your entire family are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Holden
February 18, 2025
So so sorry.
Diane Youngblood
February 18, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Rest in Peace Bill
Carole Brown
February 18, 2025
I was one of his high school teachers. He was an impressive student, because of his intellect, his creativity, and his smile. We have lost a wonderful person, and he leaves an important legacy.
JEANNE GORE
February 18, 2025
I am heartbroken to hear of Bill's passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who had the wonderful pleasure of knowing and working with him. I have such fond memories of so many great times while we were at Innervision mainly because of Bill and his kindness, attitude, and unwavering loyalty to all of us. He was my favorite “boss” who was a true friend. In fifteen years I never didn’t want to go to work because no matter what the day held in store, even those very stressful days, Bill made it fun and worthwhile. My life has truly been enriched by knowing and working with Bill. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Blessings to all during this tremendous time of such sorrow.
Beverly York
February 18, 2025
Bill you will be missed by many! I will never forget the time we had a shoot in Colorado & you took myself & Terry Sharp to the location you proposed to Cindy! I thought that spoke volumes about Your love for Cindy and you were such a proud Father! May God comfort your family in your physical absence and may the wonderful memories you & your family have created help in this life changing event. God Bless & comfort your hearts!
Tina Nelson
February 18, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Cindy and family. I worked with Bill at Innervision and CCD/Avatar Studios. He was a good guy and I am shocked to learn of his passing. My prayers are with you all. RIP Bill.
Chris Davis
February 18, 2025
I was fortunate to work with Bill at KWWL. Such a nice man and hard worker. So sorry for your loss.
Les Raebel
February 18, 2025
Bill was unshakeable and ever-calm. I loved working with him and always knew he gave it 100% and the end product would be perfect. I, also loved sharing a martini with him. His passing has left a serious impact on me and all who knew him. Rest easy my friend,
Barry Thorpe
February 18, 2025
Rest in Peace Bill, thanks for many great memories of our early teen years.
Mark Bertelsman
February 18, 2025
Sad to hear about Bill's passing. I worked for Bill for back in the Innervision days and have nothing but good memories of him as a professional and a friend.
Julie Bill Timmermann
February 18, 2025
Cindy and family our hearts ache for this loss of Bill. Always a smile, a genuinely kind man who was not only interesting himself but interested in others. Sweet memories of time spent with he and you many years ago as well. Our deepest sympathy to each of you.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Mar
7
10:30 a.m.
Holy Infant Catholic Church
Ballwin, MO
Funeral services provided by:
Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011