Robert Harrison McFarland

Robert Harrison McFarland, age 89, of Bay Springs, Mississippi, passed away March 31. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Susan Schofield. They had four children, Dr. Susan Anne McFarland (deceased), Anna Hart Hazard, Bobby Jo Gower (deceased), and Burns Harrison McFarland. He had six grandchildren: Melissa Elliott (deceased), Anna Ryan McFarland, Hart Hazard Kiser, Robert Burns McFarland, Mark Gordon Hazard IV, Harrison Robert Brooks McFarland and one greatgrandchild, Stevens Treadwell Kiser.

"Mr. Bob" as he was known was born on February 25, 1919 in the Bay Springs home of his parents, John Alexander and Jo Blache McFarland, He was the fourth of five children in the household and he is the last survivor of his generation. His oldest sister was Maxine West, who was married to Rev. T. Barton West. Next was Ida Mattie Burns, widow of Percy Burns. His older brother, Joe Alex McFarland, Jr., was his law partner in the law firm of McFarland & McFarland. His younger sister, Mary Vivian McInnis of Gulfport, was married to Col. Herrin McInnis.

He was named for his great uncle, Dr. Robert Campbell and his father's very good friend, Mr. William Harrison Alexander. Mr. Alexander was the great grandfather of Joe and William Alexander of Bay Springs.

He received his high school education in Bay Springs High School. He then went to Jones County Junior College on a football scholarship. He was the captain of the JCJC football team in 1937. He had many offers to play college football but chose Milsaps to play football and further his education. After Milsaps, he was accepted into the law school of the University of Mississippi. It was during this first semester the draft was passed. He opted to drop out of law school and volunteer for the army to serve his country. He joined the army in February, 1941 as a private with the intentions of serving one year. Then "D-Day" happened, December 7, 1941. He was deployed for the Normandy Invasion. He called this "D-Day" plus 2.

During the war he was stationed in Texas, where he met and married Susan Schofield. After being discharged a Captain, he reentered the University of Mississippi School of Law where he resumed the study of law. His father and older brother were both attorneys, so it seemed natural that he would follow in their footsteps.

The McFarlands made their home in Bay Springs and reared their family. He began his private law practice in Bay Springs in 1947.

He served as City Attorney for 27 years, Board of Supervision Attorney for 16 years, representative of the County School Board for eight years, representative of the Jasper County School District for six years, representative for Jasper County and the Pat Harrison Waterway District, Board of Directors of Bay Springs Bank for eight years, including a year as Chairman of the Board, representative of the Jasper County Board of Trustees for Jones County Junior College for eight years, Chairman of the State Oil and Gas Board of Mississippi for eight years, Interim Circuit Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial District, and Interim Chancery Judge of the Second District.

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed him as the United States District Judge for the Panama Canal Zone. He served in this capacity for two years. After this prestigious honor, he returned to Bay Springs and re-entered his private law practice. Around 1985, he began to work a little less and farm a little more. He gradually eased out of his law practice, pursuing his hobbies and interests. He enjoyed farming, tennis, golf and fishing.

He was a member of the Bay Springs Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder and Elder Emeritus for over 50 years. His grandfather, William Jackson McFarland, was one of the original founders of the church.

Funeral services were held April 4, 2008 at Bay Springs Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to the Bay Springs Presbyterian Church
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home
Bay Springs, MS
601-764-2181