BLACKSHEAR, Ga. — Ralph Edward McFarland, 66, passed away late Monday evening, May 12, 2008, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

A native of Knox County, he had lived in Mount Vernon for many years before moving to Blackshear in 2001. He retired from Kokosing Construction Co. in Fredericktown after 34 years of service and was a member of the Moose Lodge in Mount Vernon. Mr. McFarland was also a member of Bristol Baptist Church.

He was a son of the late David Ralph and Beatrice Elaine (Clark) McFarland. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Edith Davis, Elaine Carson, Alice Bradley and Barbara McFarland; and by two brothers, Andrew McFarland and William McFarland.

Survivors are his wife, Patricia “Pat” (Troutman) McFarland of Blackshear; three daughters and a son-in-law, Barbara McFarland of Waycross, Ga., and Rosie Arowood and Adaline and Thomas Miller, all of Blackshear, Ga.; two sons, John McFarland and Kevin McFarland, both of Hilliard, Fla.; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Ethel and Charlie Reynolds of Olive Hill, Ky., Sandra Ruhl of Huron, Judy and Ron Phillips of Columbus, and Luella Beckholt of Fredericktown; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Dwight and Carol McFarland of Cardington, Jerry McFarland and James and Sara McFarland, all of Mount Gilead, and Carl McFarland of Edison; eight grandchildren, Christina Brenneman, Johnathon Brenneman Miller, John M. McFarland, Christopher McFarland, Cody McFarland, Scott Miller, Colton Miller and Robert McFarland; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral service will be today, May 17, at 11 a.m. from the Bristol Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Bristol Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 9 until 11 a.m.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing our online register at www.pearsondial.com. Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.