William Clay Farler, age 77, passed from this life peacefully, with his beloved wife Sharon and family surrounding him, on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Knoxville.
Born on August 14th, 1947 at home in Dale Ridge to Howard Clay Farler and Vergie Viola (Caplinger)Farler, Clay grew up helping on the family farm and together with many loving cousins, aunts and uncles in Caplinger Hollow. Married to the love of his life, Sharon (Malone) in 1967, they began their life together in Smithville, lived in Toledo, OH for several years, then returned to Tennessee where Clay received his bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb University. He later received his Master’s and Ed.S. from Tennessee Technological University.
He retired from DeKalb County Board of Education after 39 years of service to the children and families of Smithville, first as a Special Education teacher at Smithville Elementary School, then as principal of SES, Special Education Supervisor, and Attendance Supervisor. During his time in education, he was recognized by colleagues and families for his genuine care for the students, as well as his fairness and calm demeanor.
He was known for his love of laughter and music. His real loves, however, were God and his family. He always valued being a part of his church family, contributing in any way needed, from leading singing often at Philippi Church of Christ, to his years as a deacon and then elder at the Smithville Church of Christ, then as an active member at Northside Church of Christ. Most recently he worshiped with the Hardin Valley Church of Christ with his daughter and family in Knoxville.
His legacy of unwavering love and faith in Christ is what he leaves most with his family. His daughters always knew they had his support, and he attended games and even helped teach them to play basketball and tennis, along with instilling in them his love of the land and gardening, especially when it came to homegrown tomatoes! He loved seeing his grandchildren as they grew up and loved to support them in all their various activities and even went as far as traveling to Tanzania in Africa, since his youngest daughter and family reside there and work as missionaries.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Clay Farler, mother Vergie Viola (Caplinger) Farler, brother Robert Staley Farler and sister Helen (Larance) Foster. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon (nee Malone) Farler of Smithville, daughters Amy (Ashley) Hayes of Lancaster, Julie (Michael) Vann of Farragut, and Emily (Jason) Miller of Mwanza, Tanzania, plus seven grandchildren - Malone Fletcher, Ethan, Isaac, and Audrey Vann, and Judah, Ezra, and Zoe Miller. He is also survived by brothers in law Gary (Kathy) Malone of Smithville and Phillip (Peggy) Malone of Sylvania, Ohio, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and special cousin and friend Christine Jennings.
A celebration of life was held at on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Ministers Eddie Sanders and Dan Gulley officiated.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to African Christian Healthcare, (102 N. Locust St. Searcy AR72143, or https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2ZF2AY9WDPM52 to support the ongoing ministry in Mwanza, Tanzania.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.
