Big Stone Gap, Va.-Andrew S. McFarland, 32, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023, at his home.
He was a 2008 graduate of Appalachia High School and was a band member at UVA-Wise. Andrew attended First Christian Church in Big Stone Gap and Abundant Life Church, Floyd, Va.
Andrew was a kind and thoughtful souI with a contagious smile that would light up a room. Whenever you were around Andrew you would always find yourself laughing. He will be missed and remembered by the many lives that he touched. As many of you know Andrew was very persistent in his ways. When he had something on his mind to tell you, you were definitely going to hear it until he was satisfied that you had heard it all. From zombies to crypto currency it was un-telling to the conversation you were about to have. Andrew truly believed that if you have taken the Covid vaccine you would definitely be a part of the upcoming zombie apocalypse. He never told us the exact date so we will have to wait and see if his prediction comes true. Oh, did I mention Andrew had an imagination bigger than this world? He was taken home too soon his family hopes he is riding his dream Bugatti through the heavily golden gates and playing on the blissful clouds with the heavenly drummers. His personality was like the drums he played ,larger than life. Everyone could see his personality before he entered the room. He left behind so many people here on earth that will miss him immensely, but we are happy that he is home.
Andrew loved playing Xbox with Todd. Listening, writing music, and playing drums was his heart. He loved fishing with his Papaw, Mamaw , and Justice. He loved playing Rook with his family but, must have the winning partner which was usually Jonathan. Making memories at the lake with his family was his truly something he enjoyed. He loved talking with Arielle about their inside joke and always telling her that she was a lost cost at Rook. You could always see him putting Hadley and Holden up to no good. Only him and Scott will know what happened to the fishing light. Singing karaoke with his cousins Shelbie and Melissa was lake entertainment.
He had a relationship with his sister that wasn’t like normal relationships. Even though they may argue, he was her protector. He made sure no one anywhere did her wrong. They truly loved each other.
Andrew and his Mom aggravated each other to no end but they both never failed to make sure each other knew they were loved.
💙💛Once A Dawg Always A Dawg 💙💛
Mommy will always remember your smiling face!
Andrew was preceded in death by his father, Steve McFarland; step-father, Randy Johnson; paternal grandparents, Edward and Susanna McFarland; and aunts, Connie McFarland and Rebecca “Becky” Fannon.
Surviving are his mother, Elizabeth “Sissy” Johnson, Big Stone Gap; sister, Brittany Makris (Todd) and their daughter, Andrew's "Grand Champion", Isla Makris, Auburn, Ala. and sister, Sarah Johnson, of the home; step-brother, Brandon Johnson, Seminary Community; maternal grandparents, Robert “Shorty” and Mary Fannon, Dryden, Va.; uncle, Jonathan Fannon (Arielle), Dryden, Va.; aunt, Deborah McFarland; cousins, Justice Fannon, Shelbie Fannon, Hadley Fannon, Holden Fannon, Melissa (Scott) Morgan; and a special child, Liam Smith.
The family will receive friends from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap. The memorial service will follow at 7:00pm with Greg Townsend, Minister, officiating.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the McFarland family.