Sheriff William Farmer, Jr., 78, of Webster, passed away on September 15, 2025.
Bill was born in Leesburg, Florida on June 17, 1947 to William “Oak” Farmer, Sr., and Ruby Farmer. He was a lifelong member of The Bridge at Linden Church of God. Bill was elected Sheriff of Sumter County in 1996 and served seven consecutive terms (28 years), the longest tenure in county history. He devoted 56 years to law enforcement, and beginning his career with the FBI in Washington DC in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. He later worked with the Florida Division of Corrections and several local police departments before joining the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office in 1971.
He is a graduate of St. Leo University, FBI National Academy (195th Session), Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, National Sheriff’s Institute Executive Development Program, and the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute. Bill served on and contributed to many organizations, including: Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, The Children’s Advocacy Board, Florida Risk Management Fund, chairman of the Florida Model Jail Standards Committee, Sumter Gideon Camp, Central Florida Crime Line, Florida and International Homicide Investigators Association, Florida Division of International Association for Identification, Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, The Lake-Sumter Community College, Central Florida Community College Criminal Justice Program, Emergency Planning Committee, Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council, Regional VI Criminal Justice Standards, Camp Harmony, Sumter County Citizen Academy, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, The Linden Cemetery Association Board, former President of the Sumter County Fair Board, The American Correctional Association, Florida and Sumter Cattlemen’s Associations, Sumter County Farmers Market, and The Community Relations Board for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
He was the only Sheriff to serve two terms as the President of the Florida Sheriffs Association where he also served as Chaplain. He was a proud supporter of youth programs, raising substantial funds, launching a children’s bicycle initiative, supporting local 4-H, serving as a lifetime alumnus of the FFA, and contributing to The Lion’s Club, VFW Post 101, and the Sumter County Youth Charity for over 20 years. Bill loved fishing, hunting, football and was a devoted UF Gators, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. He loved being involved in church functions, serving on the Pastor’s Council for over 50 years. He also enjoyed watching local and national news, vacationing in the mountains, caring for his pets and farm animals. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.
In recognition of his lasting impact, the Public Safety Building in The Villages, Florida, was named in his honor. Bill had a very big heart, and those who knew him remember him for his strength, humility, and kindness. He leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership, service, and integrity. He will be deeply missed by countless individuals. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Farmer; sons: William Farmer III (Sandra) of Douglas, Georgia, Stephen Jay Farmer (Anna) of Ft. White, Florida; daughter: Kristen Ashley Boone (Andrew) of Newman, Georgia; grandchildren: Isabella and Ian Farmer, Elisha and Raina Farmer, Brexton, Savannah, and Levi (Michaela) Boone and Adrian (Joel) Demoran; great-grandchildren: Baylor & two more on the way; sister: Phyllis McDaniel (Jerry) of Webster, Florida. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William “Oak” and Ruby Farmer, sister, Yvonne Marsh, and brother, James D. Farmer.
In Lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in his name by calling (800) 765-3797 or going online https://www.youthranches.org/give-online/. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.beyersfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home- Purcell Chapel, Bushnell, Florida.