Gary Gene McFarland, 77, of Russell Springs, KY passed from this life on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 18, 1948 in Somerset, a son of the late Leslie H. and Helen Roy McFarland.
Gary was a proud U.S. veteran, having served in the Army during the Vietnam War. It was there that he was wounded and later became the recipient of the Purple Heart. During his life, Gary worked alongside his father on the farm, cutting silage and milking cattle. He furthered his high school education by earning degrees from Lindsey Wilson College, Western Kentucky University, and Campbellsville College. Gary also worked as a substitute teacher and was also well known behind the service counter at Lawless and Smith True Value Hardware. His greatest enjoyment came from coaching several different baseball and softball teams over the years, as well as being an umpire for numerous games. He was still known as “Coach Mac” by many people in the county. Gary was a lover of good, old-fashioned quartet gospel music and was a great encourager to the singers and musicians. He also enjoyed his early morning golf games with his golfing buddies. Two proud moments in Gary’s life were being saved March 20, 1975 and then baptized and becoming a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 2002. His greatest desire in life was to see his family members in church and serving his Savior. He had no hesitation to tell anyone he met that his home wasn’t on this earth, but with Jesus Christ in his heavenly home!
SURVIVORS:
His beloved wife of 23 years: Janie Hammond McFarland of Russell Springs
2 daughters: Keri (Matt) Kerns and Krista McFarland, both of Russell Springs
1 step-son: Jason (Laura) Shanks of Russell Springs
1 step-daughter: Ann (Chris) Tucker of Russell Springs
6 grandchildren: Kyle, Kennedy, Kendall, Caleigh, Kelsey, and Kylar
4 step-grandchildren: Hannah, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Andrew
7 great-grandchildren
2 brothers: Kenny (Linda) McFarland and Ricky McFarland, both of Russell Springs
1 sister: Janice Popplewell of Russell Springs
Many nieces, nephews, friends, and church family members
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Chuck McFarland and a great granddaughter, Karrie Ann Scruggs.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:00amCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Bro. Jason Shanks and Bro. Ben Hammond officiating
Burial: Mill Springs National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the DAV Honor Guard
Pallbearers: Gary’s grandsons
Honorary pallbearers: His friends from the golf course
Visitation: Monday, May 12, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pmCT and Tuesday after 8:00amCT at the funeral home
In lieu of flowers, it was Gary’s wish that donations be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
