Dean McFarland, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, builder, avid golfer, and lover of a good martini as well as all things chocolate, made the journey to his eternal home June 15.
Dean was a civil engineer who moved around the country making the world stronger and better by building what was needed. Whether it was a fiber optics plant in Wilmington, a nuclear power plant in Missouri, or two dams and a powerhouse to power part of West Virginia, Dean delighted in going to work every day to create something that would make a positive difference and have a lasting impact.
The same was true with his life at home.
Dean built a life that strengthened and blessed his family every day with quiet faith, stubborn strength, and an optimism that met any and every challenge with the mantra “It’ll all work out.”
Even though he was legally blind due to macular degeneration and could no longer drive or play golf, he continued to say,
“I never have a bad day. Every day is good.”
Those who continue to benefit from the lasting impact of this life well lived are his son, William “Bill” McFarland (Carol), his daughter Dena McFarland White (Tom), 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and any and all who had the gift of knowing him.
Dean is preceded in death by his three sisters; his wife Helen, his son John, and his great-granddaughter Laura Grace.
A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, June 24, 11 a.m. at Wrightsboro United Methodist Church, 3300 N. Kerr Ave., Wilmington, with a reception and visitation immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Wrightsboro UMC 3300 N Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28405.
