Gary Gene McFarland

Gary Gene McFarland, of Russell Springs, passed from this life Saturday, May 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was 77 years, 4 months, and 22 days old.

Born December 18, 1948, in Somerset, he was a son of the late Leslie H. and Helen Roy McFarland.  Gary was a proud US 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 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 include his beloved wife of 23 years, Janie Hammond McFarland, of Russell Springs; two daughters, Keri ( and Matt) Kerns, and Krista McFarland, both of Russell Springs, a step-son, Jason (and Laura) Shanks, of Russell Springs; a step-daughter, Ann (and Chris) Tucker, of Russell Springs; six grandchildren, Kyle, Kennedy, Kendall, Caleigh, Kelsey, and Kylar; four step-grandchildren, Hannah, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Andrew; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Kenny (and Linda) McFarland, and Ricky McFarland, both of Russell Springs ; and a sister, Janice Popplewell, of Russell Springs.  Gary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and church family members. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Chuck McFarland; an infant sister; and a great granddaughter, Karrie Ann Scruggs.

Services will be 10:00 AM CST Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Jason Shanks and Bro. Ben Hammond officiating.  Burial will follow in Mill Springs National Cemetery.  Military Honors will be provided by the DAV Honor Guard.

Gary’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be his friends from the golf course.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM CST Monday, May 12, at the funeral home and will resume at 8:00 AM Tuesday morning until time of services.

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 for Mr. Gary Gene McFarland are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. 

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