Harry William McFarling

Harry William McFarling of Austin was welcomed home by his Savior on May 13, 2021 after a life devoted to loving God and loving others. He and his wife, Suzi, were among some of the original families who attended Grace Covenant Church. Bill taught children’s Sunday school and served on the elder board for over 15 years. After a brief move out of state, they became members of Hyde Park Baptist Church upon their return to Austin. They were involved as leaders in the young adult ministries, and Bill enjoyed serving as a deacon for many years.

Bill was born on June 29, 1945 in Austin. He attended Austin public schools and graduated from McCallum High School in 1963. He earned his BBA from The University of Texas at Austin in 1968 and was a member of the Tejas Club. He was employed at The University of Texas as an Administrative Services Officer and later accepted a job at Tracor as a Compensation Manager. Bill finished out his career as a Human Resources Specialist at Lockheed Missiles and Space for the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Project.

He married Suzanne Squires on July 13, 1968, and they lived a life of steadfast devotion to one another and to their family for more than 52 years. Together, they raised four sons, who witnessed a life of great integrity, prayerfulness, and hard work. Bill was always taking care of someone or something, whether it was helping with grandkids, being sure every detail was in order for a Bible study group, or having the cleanest car on the block. He loved boating and water skiing, and his family will always remember early mornings on the lake with him. Later in life, he discovered a passion for kayaking, fishing, and being out exploring in nature. He passed this love on to numerous family members, who will recall special nature walks with fondness. Bill was a man who exhibited contentment and found his identity in Christ. He made sure the people around him felt known by paying close attention to them and putting others ahead of himself. With a true servant’s heart, he blessed family and friends, even planting one last rose bush for his beloved wife the day before his passing. His gentle spirit will be deeply missed, but all who knew him will take comfort in wonderful memories.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Irving McFarling and LaVern Pauline (Bosse) McFarling.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Suzi McFarling, and children Brian and wife, Terri; Brent and wife, Tiffany; Blake and wife, Andrea; and Brandon and wife, Melissa. His grandchildren, who called him Poppy, are Abby, Molly, Anna Kate, Connor, Bennett, Holden, Monroe, Vera, Tess, Paige, and Walker, along with one grandson arriving later this year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Cru (previously Campus Crusade for Christ) – In their desire to walk with the Lord, Bill and Suzi individually joined Campus Crusade in college and met at an event hosted by the organization.

Donations by mail can be sent to PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222 or online at give.cru.org.

Camp Summit – in honor of his granddaughter, Abby, and her favorite place. Donations can be sent by mail to 17210 Campbell Rd., STE 180, Dallas, TX 75252 or online at www.campsummittx.org/donate. Please note gift is in memory of Bill McFarling in honor of his granddaughter, Abby McFarling.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 22nd at 2 pm at Hyde Park Baptist Church.