John Donald McFarlan Jr

John Donald McFarlan Jr, 90, passed away April 20, 2026. J.D. “Don” was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late John Donald McFarlan Sr “Mac” and Ethel Guenther McFarlan on November 20, 1935 and was raised in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. During high school at North Fulton High, he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, hiking and exploring caves with his scouting group. After graduation he attended both Emory University & GA State. He enlisted in the United States Navy, was trained in meteorology, and was assigned to the USS Intrepid traveling through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Arctic Circle. The many ports he was able to visit began his immense love for travel which he exercised later in life with many cruises with his beloved wife Deanna. He began his professional career working for Auburn graduate Tom Lowe at Lowe Engineers in Atlanta utilizing his security clearance creating bombing maps for the US Air Force from imagery provided by Lockheed U-2 spy planes. He moved to F Graham Williams selling brick, tile, and stone as their architectural salesman in the southeast. He later became regional sales manager for Hastings Pavement representing 14 states then decided to form his own company with a partner and became President and CEO of Berkshire Pavers where he proudly was involved in the development of Atlanta’s Centennial Park for the Olympics as well as the Savanah River Walk prior to retiring. He was married to the love of his life, Deanna Nyman McFarlan for 65 years. They were continuously active in church including 40 years at Apostles Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday School and shared his love and knowledge of the book of Revelation and the end times. He loved the study of both Old and New Testament scripture. They worshipped and witnessed to many through hosting a home group in their den for decades. JD was a nature enthusiast. He loved hiking especially the Appalachian Trail and through the Great Smokey Mountains. He was a nature photographer and a longtime member of Ga Professional Photographers as well as Professional Photographers of America. His Facebook holds a fabulous collection of his works of art. His eye to capture God’s beauty was applied during travel all over the US and the world. He was partial to all the National Parks, but he believed the most beautiful place in the world was the Fjords of Norway. He is remembered as a man who held a deep love for God and his country and was especially fond of Southern hospitality. His love of fishing was so great, he purchased a home in Tucker with a pond that he could fish any day of the week and has lived there the past 51 years. His love of outdoors and enjoying God’s beauty is only exceeded by his love of his 14 family members. Along with his wife, JD is survived by his three children: John Donald McFarlan III (Tammy) of Fort Worth TX, Darla Howard (Mark) of Inman SC, Darren McFarlan (Monica) of Woodstock GA. six grandchildren Katey Hellman (Paul), Kaylee Jouan (Steven), Kirsten Hennes (Jake), Kennedy Howard, Kasen McFarlan, Kuper McFarlan and four great grandchildren Maxi, Harry, Hunt Hellman & John Daniel Hennes. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Corlynn and Warren Wilbeck, and their four children. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 2nd at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church; 4882 Lavista Road Tucker, Ga 30084; at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to friendsofthesmokies.org

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John Donald McFarlan Jr

November 20, 1935 - April 20, 2026