John was born March 2, 1924 in Rutherford County, NC to the late William Thomas McFarland and Buena Vista Murray McFarland.  He served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. He was as graduate of Cool Springs High School, class of 1941 and also graduated from Holmes Bible College. He worked as a mechanic for J.G. Dudley and then worked 25 years for General Fire Proofing before his retirement.  John attended the Little White Country Church. 

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death his wife of 68 years, Sarah E. McFarland; one brother, W.T. McFarland and two sisters, Estelle Wilkerson and Falsom Wall.

     Survivors include one son David McFarland and wife, Edith of Forest City; a grandson and niece who he raised as his own children, Danny McFarland and wife, Brenda of Forest City and Cathy Jean Dugger and husband, Ron of Athens, AL; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Cash of Bryson City, NC and Rachel Padgett of Forest City.  He is also survived by five sisters, Martha Jean McFarland, Lottie June McAbee, Peggy Harrill, Mary Jane Hinkle, Margaret Rollins; six great grandchildren and two great-great children.

     Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Paul Lane and Reverend Danny McFarland officiating. Interment with military honors provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard will follow in Eternal Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

     Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC  28043.

      Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for the family of Mr. McFarland.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com