William "Wes" Wesley McFarland III

William Wesley McFarland III Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Son, and Friend

William Wesley McFarland III, known to all as "Wes," passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was 62 years old. Born on May 23, 1962, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, Wes was the son of Bill and Linda McFarland.

Wes' spiritual journey began at the young age of five and a half when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Within a few short weeks, he was baptized as a public profession of his faith, a faith he lived out every day until his passing. His relationship with Christ sustained him through life’s joys and challenges, and it was his unwavering faith that helped him through his extended battle with cancer.

Wes spent his early years moving around the United States with his family before settling in Bryant, Arkansas, where he graduated from Bryant High School in 1980. It was in Bryant that Wes developed a strong work ethic, building a reputation for integrity and dedication in the business world. During these formative years, he met the love of his life, Rebekkah Sparling. They married in June 1984, and together they raised three children: William Wesley McFarland IV, Allyson Brooke Chandler, and Jennyfer Lin McFarland.

Wes had a passion for sports, particularly baseball, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Whether watching a game on TV or listening to it on the radio, he was always tuned in to his favorite team. Visits to Wrigley Field were highlights of his life, and he often shared his excitement about the Cubs with his family and friends. Wes also proudly cheered for his children’s accomplishments, whether on the baseball diamond or at the bowling alley.

While Wes' love for sports was clear, his love for Christ, his family, and his church family was even greater. He served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and deacon at Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant, where he found joy in sharing his knowledge of Scripture. His easy smile, quick wit, and generous spirit made him a beloved member of the church, and his faith was a beacon of strength for others, especially during his illness. Wes was known for giving selflessly, sometimes offering more than he had to give, and even in his final days, he sought ways to bless others.

Wes is survived by his loving wife, Becky; his children, Ley, Allyson (Michael), and Jenny (Cody); his granddaughter, Maybell; his parents, Bill and Linda McFarland; his brothers, Scott (Mary) and Shaun (Tammy); his sister, Melinda; and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Corene McFarland, and his maternal grandparents, Tom and Jane Digby.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church, 23581 I-30, Bryant, AR, on November 14, 2024, where his family and all friends are strongly encouraged to don their Chicago Cubs gear, Razorback gear, or any other favorite sports team gear to honor Wes’ love of sports and desire to celebrate his homegoing. Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM, followed by the service at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to two organizations that were deeply meaningful to Wes: CARTI and Indian Springs Baptist Church - Macedonia Missions. Due to allergy restrictions, flowers are not being accepted.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home.