William H. Carris

William Huntington Carris age 81 of Wells passed on October 22nd 2025. Bill to all who knew him, he was born August 23, 1944 in Hanover NH to Helen Huntington Carris and Henry Miller Carris of Rochester, VT. A proud 5th generation Vermonter, he graduated from Rutland High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from Castleton State College. While in college he met his wife Barbara Tracy of Brandon. He later joined the Army during the war in Vietnam where he worked as a financial specialist while stationed in Germany with wife Barbara. Bill was a dynamic personality. Along with Barb, with his boundless energy he built a rich life of endless curiosity propelled by his quest for exploration and a deeper understanding of the world. Throughout his adventurous life he took on many roles- son, sibling, husband, father, business leader, politician, philanthropist, and all around badass. A former junior olympic long ski jumper he has a love for country music, motorcycles, canons and gathering his family. As the visionary CEO of Carris Reels he bucked convention with an ambitious plan to take the business from personal ownership to an employee ownership governance model. As a State Senator for Rutland County he advocated for small businesses, the arts, and resources for the community. He was a generous spirit to whom the idea of a life well lived was so much broader than success and prosperity. In fact he knew that those things couldn’t be considered any part of a life well lived unless they could benefit the larger community, and he focused his life to that end. Anyone who encountered him felt the real care he had for others. Bill is survived by his partner in life Barbara, his kids Emily, Jesse, Jenne, and Tracy. Eight grandchildren as well as an extended community of family and friends. Visiting hours will be held at Clifford’s Funeral Home in Rutland on November 7th from 12-2 and 3-6pm. Reception to follow Donations can be made to the Dismas of Vermont and the Vermont Food Bank