John Douglas Mcfarland

John Douglas McFarland, or “Doug” as he was known by his friends and family, passed from this life on July 16, 2022 in Nashville, TN at the age of 43. Doug was a 1997 graduate of Bay High School. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Radio/Television and minor in Philosophy from Arkansas State University. Doug was a life-long member of Refuge General Baptist Church in Lake City. Doug had many passions in life. He had a love of the arts, always seeking opportunities to listen to live music. He particularly enjoyed 1990s rock, “when music was still good.” Doug was a founding member and bass player for the local rock band, Further Down. He was also an extremely talented painter, decorating the homes of his family with beautiful original artwork. Doug had a philosophical mind and enjoyed watching unconventional movies and television. He had a deep love for reading instilled in him by his mother and read every Dean Koontz book ever written multiple times. Doug was never concerned with worldly possessions, always being content with what he had. Although it was old and worn, he would prefer to drive his 1992 Chevrolet pick-up truck over the most expensive vehicle money could buy. Most importantly though, Doug was known for his big heart. He was known by many of his family and friends as a “big teddy bear.” He was always loving and affectionate with his close family and would give a hug anytime he saw it was needed. Not only that, but he would give all of his time or even his last dollar to help anyone in need. Doug had an unequivocal love for his friends and family, which was undoubtedly reciprocated by all who knew him.

Doug was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence and Pauline Cornish of Leachville, as well as Frank and Delphia McFarland of Lake City.

Doug is survived by his parents, Dannie and Janet McFarland of Jonesboro, as well as two sisters Amanda Hickey and husband Brad of Panama City Beach, FL and Ashton Milam and husband Keith of Bay, AR. He will be missed by several nieces and nephews, for whom he had a deep-seated love: Luc Hickey, Meizi Hickey, Makayla Hickey, Levi Hickey, Knox Milam, Vivian Milam, Jonas Milam, and Annabelle Milam, as well as many, many life-long friends.

A memorial service will be held 6:00 pm Friday, July 22, 2022 at Emerson Funeral Home. A visitation will precede the service from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Honorary pallbearers include Shaun Kirby, Robby Rigsbee, Chad Hughes, Keith Milam, Brad Hickey, Jake Gilley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish make donations to John 3:16 Ministries or the youth group at Refuge General Baptist Church in Lake City.