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William Farley Obituary

William T. Farley, Jr. MT. PLEASANT - Journalist, author and corporate executive William T. "Bill" Farley, Jr., 79, born July 11, 1944 in Yonkers, New York, died October 17, 2023 in Mount Pleasant, SC. He was the husband of Judy R. Farley of Mount Pleasant. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Farley Alspach of Tampa, Florida, and his beloved dog, PAL. He is preceded in death by sister, Joan Farley Ward. The son of William and Flora Rae Farley of Yonkers, Bill was educated at the Horace Mann School in New York City and the Canterbury School in New Milford, CT. He earned his BA from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He began his professional career as a newspaper reporter in New York and subsequently served as a news director and on-air talent for several area radio stations including WCBS Newsradio88. He joined the American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. as a network television writer/producer, first with ABC News, where he worked on coverage of major stories including the Democratic and Republican national nominating conventions, the missions of Apollo 11, 12 and 13 and the 1972 Olympic tragedy at Munich, Germany. He moved to ABC Sports, where his assignments included Monday Night Football, the Indianapolis 500 and the PGA tour. He moved to Los Angeles and ABC's prime time entertainment division, continuing to work on West Coast-based news and sports stories as well as network specials and series such as "Taxi", "Barney Miller" and "The Redd Foxx Show." Farley was hired by Playboy Enterprises, Inc. in 1981 to help launch the company's groundbreaking cable television channel, Playboy TV. He continued to work on special projects for Playboy until 1984 when he returned to ABC to serve as Manager of Information for the nearly 100 nations covering the 1984 Summer Olympic Games on television and radio. At the conclusion of the Olympic year, he returned to Playboy full-time, ultimately serving as Vice President, Marketing, Vice President, Playboy Jazz Festivals, Inc. and President of the Playboy Models/Playmate Promotions agency. During those years he had overall responsibility for all special events parties at the Playboy Mansion and served as principal media spokesman for the company's legendary founder, Hugh M. Hefner. He retired in 2005 and moved to Mount Pleasant, where he turned his attention back to journalism, writing nearly 200 articles for publications, including Charleston Living Magazine, the Moultrie News, and the Lowcountry (Senior) Sun. He was currently writing for Health Links Magazine and Mount Pleasant Magazine. He is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, among them "Apollo 11: Man's Greatest Adventure," "The Unofficial Guide to the 1984 Summer Games," the entertainment industry satirical novel, "Sex... In The Crosshairs" and "Team Player," a mystery/thriller. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the National Rifle Association, the Marijuana Policy Project and the Charleston SPCA. All services will be private. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Mike Mooneyham

December 3, 2025

Smart, funny and always interesting are just a few of the adjectives that described Bill Farley. Truly enjoyed our conversations over the years. A great guy who is missed by many.

Arlene Sidaris

July 5, 2025

Bill worked closely with my late husband, Andy Sidaris and me while we were filming the 12 film Andy Sidaris Collection featuring Playboy centerfolds. Bill established himself as a fine professional and personal friend, along with his devoted wife, Judy. Great memories. With loving thoughts, Arlene Sidaris

Donna Perry

March 23, 2024

Sending my love and condolences to the family. He was such a wonderful man and kind to me.

Deborah Moore

December 21, 2023

Sending condolences to Judy Farley and the entire Farley family. So deeply sorry for your loss.

Ava Fabian

November 23, 2023

I will always cherish the memories with Bill at Playboy.
He always would always be available to talk and had the best stories. He had a heart of gold, and he´ll always be remembered, and never forgotten.. I hope you´re in heaven with Hef and BJ and all the other wonderful employees of Playboy that have passed on.
There must´ve been a big celebration in heaven for you.
My condolences to Judy and the family.
We all loved Bill and that will never change.

Renee Tenison

November 22, 2023

Bill was such a great man, he will truly be missed , I´m sending my prayers to his family

Bill Payer

October 27, 2023

I knew Bill through the INDY mens group and valued him as a friend when we swapped war stories from 'back in the day." Condolences to his wife.

Sewell Kahn

October 24, 2023

Bill, We will miss you great intellect and humor. I never gave a presentation when you were present that you didn't add some important information or perspective..Thanks

Mike Mooneyham

October 24, 2023

Heartbroken to hear of Bill's passing. An amazing man who led a fascinating life. Will sorely miss our email conversations over the years; Bill was always enlightening and encouraging. My deepest sympathies to Judy and family.

Dov Rotenberg

October 23, 2023

Bill was a wonderful man, filled with happiness and a smile. After initially speaking at, and then joining my INDY men's group, he attended many activities, invariably contributing his wisdom and warmth.
Judy and Bill became friends,we miss him, and will continue to hold both of them in our hearts and minds.
Dov Rotenberg
Maureen McNichols

Bob Marciano

October 22, 2023

I am shocked and saddened to read this news. I have many good memories of our days at Canterbury and a wonderful visit here last year. My condolences to the family.

Pat Roberts

October 20, 2023

Our sincere sympathy to Judy and Bill´s family. He was a pleasure to be around and we always enjoyed his stories. Bill had a very interesting life and he will be missed.
Pat Roberts and Jim D´Damery

Elizabeth Norris

October 19, 2023

Hearing that my partner Bill Farley is gone is a great shock. We worked together at Playboy for many years, Bill in LA and me in Chicago. We both worked at promoting Playboy. When I had a decision to make about publicizing the magazine in some way I would call Bill to help me think. But with the time difference between LA and Chicago, he always understood when I had to hang up so I could go home and watch JAG. Miss you, my dear friend.

Jeanne Schryver Turbow

October 19, 2023

I have such fond memories of working with Bill at Playboy. He was a mentor to me and took me under his wing. Bill had such a huge heart and cared so deeply for his family and close friends. My heart is with Judy right now. He will be so very missed.

Faye Seigel

October 19, 2023

Bill had a wit and sense of humor like no other. His life experience was exceptional. Judy and Bill were devoted partners. May the life you shared and the memories you made be a source of comfort.

Sully Witte

October 19, 2023

I am heartbroken to hear this news. Mr. Bill will be missed. Prayers for peace and understanding in the days to come. Love Sully

Aaron Weissman

October 18, 2023

We lost an incredible character and a sweet soul all wrapped up in a pair of Zubaz. May Bill Farley rest happily with every late jazz artist who graced the Playboy Jazz Festival stage during his memorable tenure.

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