Billy Wayne McFarland

Billy Wayne McFarland, a lifelong educator, coach, and family man, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.  He was just shy of 93 years old.

Bill, as he was referred to by friends, family, and colleagues, had a natural gift of teaching and educating people of all ages and backgrounds.  In his lifelong career of coaching and then education, he was an assistant and head high school football coach, filled various administrative positions in higher education and finally ended his 30 + year career as a Director of Student Activities at Florida State College in Jacksonville, Florida.

He was a family man who is survived by 4 children from his marriage to his first wife Virginia Roces and 2 children from his second wife Patricia McFarland, who preceded him in death.  His family interests included outdoor activities such as golf, camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, and other work around the yard.  He also enjoyed indoor activities that usually included his family like playing card and board games, watching television, or gathering for a good meal and conversation.

Bill was the first son of Cary and Robbie McFarland and spent his young life in Northeast Arkansas enjoying outdoor activities, playing football, and also training Tennessee Walking Horses.  He earned a full football scholarship to the University of Arkansas and graduated there with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Army for 4 years. After coaching and teaching in Arkansas until 1968, Bill and his family transplanted to Jacksonville, Florida for a position at what was then Florida Junior College.  From 1968 until his retirement, he was employed there in various administrative positions ending in his favorite, Director of Student Activities of North Campus.  While at FSCJ, he also completed his master’s degree in Education at Florida State University.

Bill will be remembered for his athletic ability, enthusiasm for life, devotion to family and higher education, commitment to his church and also his unique version of the English language.  He also cared deeply for his pet dogs, thoroughly enjoyed reading and enjoyed almost any type of food.

He is survived by his 6 children, Diane Dienell of St. John’s, Florida, Joanne Tufo of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tracey Williamson of Nashville, Tennessee, Shawn McFarland of Fleming Island, Florida, Wynn Henderson of St. John’s, Florida and Jennifer Shea of Virginia Beach, Virginia.  He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Moosehaven and particularly those from Katherine Smith Hall, which showed great love and care for him especially in his last 4 years. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 in the Moosehaven Chapel with Reverend Helen Taylor Officiating.  The interment will follow in the Moosehaven Mausoleum with a celebration of life in the Florida-Bermuda Hall on Moosehaven’s Campus afterwards.