Deacon Willie Rogers McFarland, Sr. was born to Carlos Lee McFarland, Sr. and Hattie Lee Brown McFarland on July 6, 1952, in Madison, Florida. He was affectionately known by everyone as “Bubba.”  He resided on the McFarland family farm in the Cherry Lake community of Madison, Florida until young adulthood. He later relocated to the Georgetown community of Madison.

Willie attended Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with his family as a child. He later professed his belief in Jesus Christ and became a dedicated member. As he matured in faithful service over the years, he accepted official positions – Finance officer, Senior Choir member, cemetery manager, and Deacon. He was also responsible for maintenance, upkeeps, and for any other tasks that needed to be done.

Bubba was educated in the Madison County Public School District which began at Hamburg, a two-room school and ended with his graduating from Madison County Training School, renamed Suwannee River High School. He later enrolled in the Vocational Educational Program that was offered at North Florida Junior College, earning his certification in construction/carpentry.

After graduation, Bubba enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he, not only served his country with pride and distinction, but where he also earned a Defense Medal of Honor for his commitment and bravery. After that tour of duty, he later enlisted in the United States Army where he was also honorably discharged for a job well done.

Bubba benefited from the life lessons he learned in the military as well as from his elders on the family farm. He was passionate about working outside and growing vegetables. He planted acres of peas, corn, and okra, and at one point, he also planted tobacco. He saw a bright future in the tree industry and worked in pulpwood and later on he began a logging business. Because he was a master carpenter, he became the accomplished owner of W.R. McFarland Construction. 

While he enjoyed being a hard worker, Bubba was equally passionate about his pastime interests. He loved hunting, fishing, and doing many other activities with his family members. Because he was family oriented, he loved to host family gatherings to create lasting memories of their unending love for each other with bonds for generations to come. He became a chef extraordinaire for his washpot “perlo” (chicken and rice), a family gathering tradition he established for their mealtime enjoyment.

In his own way and for His own purpose, God dispatched an angel from heaven to bring his faithful servant, Willie Rogers McFarland, Sr. home. Therefore, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Bubba began his eternal celebration with Jesus. Servant of God, well done. May he forever rest in peace.

Having a relationship with God, a family that loves you, and friends that are true is the definition of a successful man. Deacon Willie Rogers “Bubba” McFarland, Sr. was the epitome of being  that man.  Loved ones whose love and cherished memory of his success are a treasure for his devoted wife: Linda McFarland; children: Willie Rogers McFarland, Jr. Cherlyn McFarland, Kristen (Derrick) McFarland Thompson, all of Tallahassee, FL, Terrance (Pamela) McFarland of Valdosta, GA, Joseph Michael and Renada (Cedric) Jones McFarland Revels, all of Madison, FL,  Allysia (D’Avril) McFarland Grant of Jacksonville, FL; sister: Shirley (Carlton) McFarland Souter of Madison, FL; uncle: Clarence Brown of St. Petersburg, FL; sisters-in-law: Ronetta McNair of St. Petersburg, FL and Morlene McFarland of Miami, FL; seventeen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other sorrowing relatives, consoling friends, and uplifting church family. 

Deacon Willie Rogers “Bubba” McFarland was preceded in death by his parents: Carlos and Hattie McFarland, Sr, brothers: Carlos McFarland, Jr. and Henry Frank McFarland; grandchildren: Corbin McFarland and Amira McFarland; and his beloved canine companion, ‘Zena (Athena) McFarland.