William Farris Foley

William (Bill) Farris Foley, age 83, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. William was a man of great integrity, dedication, and warmth. He was the cherished son of the late Ranklin Foley and Ernestine Finely Foley. He was born on May 16, 1943 in the small town of Lake Providence, Louisiana. He was a middle child of four. One older sister, Raff Chatum, and two younger sisters, Gloria Gaynor and Brenda Hawkins.

His parents moved to California after his dad returned from the Army with an Honorable Discharge, but they left Farris in Louisiana with his dad’s parents until he was five years old, when they returned and brought him back to California.

Farris was a rambunctious kid. Full of energy, he loved to play tricks on his sisters. As he grew older he chose to forgo the name Farris and chose instead to be identified as either William or what most referred to him as, “Bill.” Bill’s youngest sibling, Brenda, was the only one who continued to call him “Ferris.”

He attended Wadsworth Elementary School, Carver Junior High School, and graduated from Jefferson High School. While in high school, he became an avid tennis player, participating in many tournaments. He was also musical, learning to play both the flute and the piccolo. He would often practice and share music with his baby sister, Brenda; she played the violin.

He accepted Christ as a teen and was baptized at Faithful Central Baptist Church of Los Angeles, under Pastor W.L. Robinson, where he joined and served on the Usher Board.

In his early 20s he joined the Army and served during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Virginia, he worked in the military print shop, managing the presses. He also landed a DJ gig on the Army radio station. He was Honorably Discharged.

After his discharge, he attended LA Trade Tech Community College, where he earned his printing certification before transferring to LA City College, and later Long Beach State University. He then went on to work for a printing company before starting his own company, “Foley B’s CopyCat,” a successful shop he ran until his retirement. William channeled his precision and creativity into his career as a skilled printer and small business owner, earning the respect and trust of his community through his hard work and independent spirit.

On February 12, 1974, William married the love of his life, Imelda Louise Grace Foley. They later had two amazing sons, Marcus and Malcolm Foley. Together, they shared 52 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in deep devotion and mutual support. William was a deeply dedicated husband who always put his family first.

Bill and Imelda provided a nurturing home environment for their two sons.They traveled when their family was young, taking their sons to see the Sequoia National Forests, the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, the1986 World’s Fair in Canada, and numerous trips to museums and Black Family events in the city of Los Angeles.

A passionate music lover, William found great joy in exploring various genres, with a particular affection for the rich sounds and rhythms of Jazz. Some of his favorite artists were Miles Davis, Oscar Brown Jr. and the Manhattan Transfer. Music was such a big part of his life, that he often curated his own mixed taped tracks featuring his voice overs as he introduced his featured artists. He also owned an extensive collection of records including Fantasia, the Planets, and the Wiz. Bill also enjoyed science fiction as evidenced by his love of Star Trek (all the generations) and Xenia: Warrior Princess.

Bill was a practical man; he loved people. He established great relationships with his neighbors and his business partners and enjoyed sharing his experiences and hearing from others about theirs. He savored good conversation. He was always thinking of the most efficient ways to do things and putting others' needs before his own, especially those of his family.

He loved his wife deeply and doted on her and provoked her in equal measure. His nickname for her was “love” or “my love,” and he was always impressed by her intelligence and her approach to life. Throughout his life, her presence was a constant comfort to him.

William took great pride in the care of his sisters. He made sure they knew how he felt about them.

A proud and attentive father, William channeled his characteristics to his sons, shaping strong successful men; Marcus- a nonprofit coordinator, and Malcolm a successful School Counselor.

He was slow to anger and always had a kind word and most likely a cheesy catch phrase like “arrivederci,” and “it must be Christmas!” One of his most memorable quotes for his loved ones was “Take care of yourself; you’re very important to us.” He will be remembered most for his steady strength, and the quiet kindness he extended to anyone he met, greeting everyone with a smile and his pleasant demeanor, which he inherited from his mother. His thoughtful, supporting, loving presence will be missed. Arrivederci, until we see each other again.

William Foley passed away August 12, 2026 at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Woodland Hills. William is survived by his wife, Imelda Louise Grace Foley, who describes him as the wind beneath her wings; two devoted sons, Marcus Aaron Foley and Malcolm William Foley, three sisters, Raff Chatham, Gloria Gayden and her husband Garland Gayden, and Brenda Hawkins and her husband Kenneth Hawkins; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Ranklin Foley, and his mother, Ernestine Finely Foley.