Mr. Charles E. McFarland

Charles Erma McFarland of Roswell died Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the age of 79. Born in Meridian, MS he was the son of the late Harris G. and Franke Brown McFarland. He was a graduate of Heidelberg High School (1952), Maryville College (B.A., 1956) and Georgia State University (M.Ed., 1977). He joined the Marine Reserves while at Maryville College and served for a number of years. He taught high school Biology and Human Physiology in the Fulton County School system for 41 years until his retirement in 1998. Since 1960, Charles was a dedicated member of Roswell Presbyterian Church, serving as both deacon and elder. He and his loving wife, Jean, served on many church committees, taught Sunday School classes, and were cherished youth group leaders. He served as president of Roswell Kiwanis Club and the North Fulton Retired Educators Association. He was a talented woodworker and an antique car enthusiast. Gifted with a quick wit, a generous heart, a love of nature and travel, a love of storytelling, and an indomitable spirit, Charles was a man who always focused on the positive and never met a stranger. Charles was preceded in death by a sister, Faye McFarland Nelson. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Jean Dildy McFarland; two wonderful sons: Bryan Field (Diane) McFarland of Greensboro, NC and Kent Erwin McFarland of Alpharetta; a cherished granddaughter: Meagan Aline McFarland. He is also survived by an “adopted” family: Robb and Lanette (Henry) McClendon and their children, Michaela, Shelly, and Alex; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A ten-year cancer survivor, Charles had been on home dialysis for the past three years with Jean and Kent as certified assistants. Because of the home dialysis option he was able to travel and enjoy visiting family and friends. The family is deeply grateful to innumerable medical professionals over the years, including the doctors, nurses and specialists at North Fulton Hospital ICU over the past two weeks. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 3rd from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, June 4th at 2:00 PM at Roswell Presbyterian Church with Rev. Brad Clayton and Rev. Bill Nisbet officiating. After a reception, a brief committal service will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIAL GIFTS MAY BE MADE TO THE MUSTARD SEED PROJECT THROUGH ROSWELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, GA 30075.

Mr. Charles E. McFarland

July 12, 1935 - May 31, 2015