Bill McFarland Sr.

Brother Bill McFarland Sr "Billy" was born November 16, 1939 to the late Josh and Bertha (Shanks) McFarland in Desoto, Mississippi (Shubuta). He was the baby of five children. In 1959 Billy moved to Indianapolis. Bill worked various jobs in the city until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in May of 1962 and was then sent to Ft. Knox, Kentucky for basic training.

After Bill's military service he was employed Cold Metal Products formerly J & L Steel for over 30 years untill his retirement in 1996. Bill's work ethic was top notch, his moto was "If you don't work you don't eat"; this is the same moto that his kids live by today.

Billy was an avid fisherman and would come home after many fishing outings with well over a hundred fish. As children we were always amazed at the amount of fish he caught but also knew that we each play a role in the cleaning of the fish in addition to the eating of the fish after Billy would fry them. Billy was active in sports and completed course work for his high school equivalence test while in the service and became an expert rifleman and automobile mechanic.

In the summer of 1962, Linda came to Indianapolis to visit family. While visiting, she rode with her brother-in-law John L to pick up his brother (Billy) from basic training. Billy had not seen the little sister of Lure (Linda) in years; when he saw her he was taken a back and that's where the story began. Bill had found his virtuous woman. On September 9th 1962, in Clarke County Mississippi, Billy was United in Holy Matrimony to his Sweet Heart "Linda".

He was preceded in death by his sister, Geneva "Gent" Sanders, brother John L,. He leaves to cherrish his loving memories, his devoted wife, five beautiful children, Belinda (Darryl), Bill Jr., Brondon (Carmen), Bernita (Phillip), Bernard (Shajuan); thirthteen grandchildren, Brittany, Brondon Jr., Joshua, Ebony Olivia-Grace (Jace), Cameran, Domonique, Bernard "Curtis", Courtney, Cherell, Tamara, Timothy, and Reuben; seven great grandchildren, Nina-Simone Grace, Brylen, Brayden, Joshua-Daniel Gracen, Ocean-Oliver Gracen, Nathan and Noah; siblings, Hattie B. Whigham, Lucille Clark; Sister-in-law Lure Lee, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and his awesome church family.

His visitation will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2015, 10am-12pm, with the Homegoing Celebration commencing at 12pm at Citadel Church of God In Christ. His entombment will take place in Crown Hill Cemetery.