Bennie Darryl McFarland was born on January 27, 1958, in Lumberton, NC, to the late Benjamin David McFarland and Geneva McNeill McFarland. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 15, 2025. Bennie and his brother were raised by their maternal grandmother Madie Gavin Campbell, known affectionately as “Grandma Madie”.
Bennie was introduced to Christ at an early age, where he attended Bethany Presbyterian Church. He later became a member of LinkedUp Church in Atlanta, GA but he remained a member of The Well Fellowship Christian Church in Durham, NC and attended Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA virtually.
Bennie received his formal education at St. Francis Catholic School and Lumberton Junior and Senior High School. His love for sports was evident from an early age, playing baseball in the Lumberton recreational league and football for the Lumberton High School Pirates. Bennie was known throughout his East Pine neighborhood of Lumberton to his family and friends as “BoBo”, where he formed lasting friendships.
After graduating high school, Bennie served in the United States Air Force, with his first base assignment in Misawa, Japan. Post-military service, he earned his BA in English and Communications from Pembroke State College (now UNCP), where he discovered a passion for writing plays and poetry, acting, and directing. Bennie began his career as a Master Control Operator for the local news station in Lumber Bridge, NC; eventually moving to Raleigh, NC. He enhanced his career by taking computer courses that led him towards the path of Network Engineer, finally retiring in 2020.
Bennie was known for his infectious laughter, love of music, reading, writing, and traveling. A dreamer, deep thinker and engaging conversationalist, Bennie met no stranger and could speak on nearly any topic. Above all, he cherished his family and was a devoted husband, father, and friend.
Bennie leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 33 years, Sherry James McFarland, Son Brandon Jamal McFarland (Beldani) of Tampa, Fl; Daughter Asia Nichelle McFarland of Washington, DC; Daughter LaToya Chanel Florence of SC; Brother Reginald Morrison McFarland of Lumberton, NC; Brother-in-law Cordell James (Nicole) of Roswell, GA; three grandchildren Shiloh Reign McFarland, Josiah Kasim McFarland, and Skye Robinson; two nephews Caleb James and Coy James; and a host of other relatives and friends. Bennie’s legacy of kindness, curiosity, and love will live on through the many lives he touched.
Celebration of Life will be Saturday October 18, 2025 Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Wake 12:00 noon | Service 1:00 pm
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Angela M Cousin sent Precious Heart Bouquet for Bennie Darryl McFarland - October 15, 2025
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