Obituary of David McFarland

Chapel Hill - David McFarland, 86 of Chapel Hill, NC passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016 at UNC Medical Center with his family by his side. Dr. McFarland was born July 12, 1930 in DeKalb County, Mississippi to the late Wesley Eugene and Maggie Jane McFarland. He was a graduate of Millsaps College, and received a Ph.D. in Economics from Vanderbilt University, was a Lieutenant in the US Navy, and a Professor at Princeton University prior to joining the Economics faculty at the University of North Carolina in 1964 where he served for 40 years. He had a passion for squeezing the most out of life and had more ongoing projects than he could ever finish. He sought challenges of all kinds. Whether it be the Times Crossword Puzzle, building an addition to his house, or navigating a complicated harbor channel. He delighted in sharing his knowledge and joy with others. His family, friends, colleagues and thousands of students would attest that he was always swift to love and took haste to be kind. Mr. McFarland was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Avis McFarland Hammack, Marvis McFarland Mashburn, Mary McFarland Dent and his brother Wesley C. McFarland. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 65 years Mary Ruth Pittman McFarland and two sons, Richard David McFarland of Washington Grove MD, Dennis Patrick McFarland, Rougemont, NC and daughter Madelyn Jane McFarland Haag of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; granddaughters, Meghan McFarland, Erin McFarland, Molly Haag, Jessica Haag , Anna Howard and grandsons Matthew McFarland, Jack Pittman Haag and Sean Howard. Interment will take place at Lakewood Memorial Park, 6011 Clinton Boulevard Jackson, MS Wednesday, November 9. Visitation from 12:00 - 2:00. Graveside services will follow visitation. A memorial service will be held in Chapel Hill, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions in honor of Dr. McFarland be made to University of North Carolina Economics Department in Chapel Hill NC to offer opportunities to enhance undergraduate education. Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to serve the McFarland family. Online condolences may be offered at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.