Billy Gene McFarland

Billy Gene McFarland passed on July 27th, 2024, at his residence in Odessa TX. He was born in Vernon Texas May 6th of 1929 to Reed William McFarland and Willie Juanita Pybus McFarland. Billy has one brother Michael Reed McFarland also of Odessa TX. 

This Renaissance Man was married until her death in 2002 to Janice Ann McDonald McFarland. They had two children Judith (Judy) Ann McFarland Martin, and Jerrold (Jerry) Gene McFarland who also preceded Billy in death in 2014. Judy was married to Randy C Martin who preceded Judy in death. Bill also leaves a nephew, Mike McFarland’s son Robert C. McFarland of North TX, and cousins Don and Doris Hanson of McKinney TX.

In 2005 Billy married June Corbell Burrows who brought to the marriage a shared love of collecting items of all kinds, and making folk and fine art. Their 19 years of companionship found them dancing, attending the football games played by great grandchildren and doing a little travel in and outside the US. This union brought Bill two stepdaughters, Olivia B Walker and Suzy Burrows both of North TX. Among the loving members of this family are Charlie Walker, husband to Olivia, Grandchildren Dustin Byerly of Denton, his children Taylor Byerly and her three girls of Livermore, CA, and his son Travis Byerly of Redondo Beach CA; and Grandchildren Oryan and Steven Womack of Odessa and their boys Drake and Creed. Grampa Bill was a character they will not forget.

Bill graduated from OHS where he was a proud member of the Broncho Band. Self-designated as members of the “Slouchy Thirteen”, he and Buzy Hurt were the last of that group to carry that moniker. After graduating form North Texas State University (now UNT), he returned to Odessa to pursue several careers in the oil field service industries. Upon retirement he utilized his many skills in the areas of woodworking, clock making and repairing, tool designing, folk art pieces watercolor and Pastels. Like his father before him Bill collected tools, clocks, fishing gear, and antiques. He was also known to cut a nice figure dancing at the Odessa Senior Center. He will be missed by his family. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at his home later in the summer when his spouse recovers from hip surgery. A graveside service to bury his ashes will be held Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM.

Those wishing to make a donation in his honor may do so to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105