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Charles Russell McFarland, 88, of San Antonio, Texas passed away January 28th, 2019. He attended Arkansas State University. He was an avid Razorback and loved his Hogs. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company . He and his wife loved to travel. He is survived by his wife Joyce; three children, Debbie, Terry, Lindy; and his many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charlie McFarland was a wonderful person who loved the Lord and his family.

Mrs. Joyce McFarland
McFarlandTribute(at)gmail(dot)com

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

5'6 1/2" is not what most would call an athletic stature, but that did not stop Charles Russell McFarland from becoming a leader on the Osceola High School football field and a scholarship wrestler at Arkansas State University. He was born with natural athleticism and determination, which earned him the moniker "The Little General" and developed into a life-long love for his Arkansas Razorbacks and running 5 miles per day for the majority of his 88 years.

Charlie's tenacity extended far from the playing field when he began to take his friends and family members by the theatre where "the girl he was going to marry" worked. Few took his proclamations serious, while some outright protested. The quiet, thoughtful man did not spend his time arguing with the naysayers- he simply spent the next 64 years proving them wrong as he and "that girl" Joyce built their family.

His children Debbie, Terry, and Lindy were a source of great pride and joy.

Charlie and Joyce followed Terry's football career to the University of Arkansas where they became fixtures at Razorback games for nearly 40 years. Charlie preferred to watch Hog games alone, but he tolerated company if they could let him watch without commentary or distraction.

As much as he loved his children and the Razorbacks, it was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that gave him his greatest joy and the name he was proudest of- "Papoo." The mere mention of one of them brought a smile to his face.

Charlie's dedication extended to his friends, community, and for 35 years at Southwestern Bell, his work.

Quiet, loving, practical, hard working, athletic, gentle, funny, caring, quick witted, strong, fun, happy, unique, kind, generous, subtle, caretaker.

This was Charles Russell McFarland, Charlie, Papoo before Parkinson's.

Officially diagnosed in 2009, Parkinson's symptoms actually started with constant changes in his eyesight and the loss of smell. As hard as he fought to stay Charlie, Parkinson's has been taking Papoo a little at a time 20 something years.

Quiet Charlie became prankster Papoo when his personality changed 6-7 years ago. Three years ago he was no longer able to go on his daily run, and two years ago the disease would stop him in his tracks because his body would suddenly forget how to walk. Parkinson's robbed him of his role as the family rock when he went from caretaker to one being taken care of. It robbed the world of what many described as the nicest, and even the best man they ever knew when it took his life January 28, 2019.