Bob McFarland
Reverend Bob McFarland, 77, went home to be with the Lord early Sunday morning February 26. It’s fitting that Bob went to heaven on a Sunday morning.
A Baptist minister, Bob spent many Sunday mornings teaching and talking about Jesus to church congregations including but not limited to Hinkle Baptist of Lookout Mountain, New Home Baptist of Trenton, and Whitwell First Baptist Church of Whitwell. He is now witnessing first hand what he’s been preaching about for over five decades.
Bob was preceded in his final destination by the love of his life, Jewel Allen McFarland.
Bob and Jewel leave a legacy of five children, 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild (on the way). Their children and grandchildren are: Steve, Jacob and Addison McFarland of Athens, Alabama; David, Madaline, Clayton and Carter McFarland and Conrad and Maddie Ratchford all of Chattanooga; Becky, Toby and Christian Robinson of West Frankfort, Illinois along with Holly and Kevin Vardeleon of St. Louis, and Hayley and Isaiah Barnfield of Lookout Mountain; Joanna, Andy, Anna, Allison, Drew and John Austin Roberson of Greenwood, S.C.; and Danny, Hope, Benjamin, Noah and Chloe McFarland of Jonesboro, Il.
Bob’s legacy also includes the countless lives that he has touched in his many years of ministry. Bob may be best remembered for his role at Bethel Bible Village in Hixson. Bob and Jewel were house parents at Bethel shortly after they were married while he was a student at Tennessee Temple University where he received his bachelor’s degree. He later became the director of Children’s Services and then served as the executive director from 1990 till 2002. His friend and co-worker at Bethel, Gary Behler, said, “I’ve never met anyone with a bigger heart for children.” Bob not only had a big heart for children but for people in general. He would tell you he had a big heart because of his Texas upbringing. A self-proclaimed drug store cowboy, he was very proud of his Lone Star state roots. Davy Crockett left Tennessee and went to Texas to help at the Alamo. Bob returned the favor by moving to Tennessee and doing his best to make the state a better place. He finished his working career at Covington Seminary where he received his master's and doctorate and then served as dean of Extensions.
Most who knew Bob loved Bob. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his caring nature, but most of all for his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Though we’ll miss him dearly, we rejoice in knowing that he is celebrating and worshiping Jesus face to face with his Precious Jewel and his parents, Kirby and Marion McFarland by his side.
Please join us as we honor him and celebrate his home going on Thursday, March 2, at 1 p.m. at Abba’s House in Hixson, with Dr. Ron Phillips, Reverend Toby Robinson and Reverend Andy Roberson officiating. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 1, from 4-9 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel in Hixson. There will also be a time of visitation, fellowship and Bob and Jewel story telling at Abba’s House in the Faith Building following the graveside service on Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Bible Village, 3001 Hamill Road, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.
Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.