Obituary of Harold McFarland

Harold McFarland, 91, of Sanford (formerly of Carrboro, NC) passed away on August 13, 2022. Harold was born in Bahama, NC on February 22, 1931 to Luther Thomas and Velma Laws McFarland.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 3:00 p.m. at Westwood Cemetery in Carrboro, NC.   

Harold graduated from Mangum High School in Bahama in 1948 and attended Durham Business School.  He worked for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for 34 years until his retirement in 1993.  Harold was a member of Carrboro Methodist Church.  

Harold is survived by his wife of 68 years, Priscilla Ellington McFarland, children: Tom McFarland (Anna), Beth Little (Freddie), Julia Robinson, Jane Crewse (Britt); grandchildren: Carl McFarland, Meaghan McFarland, Wes Little (Meagan), Elizabeth Wilson (Jeffrey), Katherine Matthews (Drake), James “Mac” Robinson, Margaret “Maggie”  Robinson, Meredith Bailey, Shelby Bailey, Alexis Crewse, and Zachary Crewse; great-grandchildren: Carter Little, Dawson Little, and Miller Wilson; brother: Luther Thomas McFarland, Jr.; sister: Yvonne McFarland, and several nieces and nephews.  Harold was preceded in death by his parents; Luther Thomas and Velma Laws McFarland; brothers, William “Bill” McFarland, Phillip McFarland; sister, Barbara Erger; and his son-in law, Chester Robinson. 

Harold loved his family and his greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He also loved growing plants, vegetables, and flowers. Following his retirement, he volunteered at the NC Botanical Garden until his health deteriorated. Donations in Harold’s memory can be made to the NC Botanical Garden at https://give.unc.edu/donate?&p=ncbg