Richard Hughes McFerrin, age 78, of the Camargo Community, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 21, 1946, in Lincoln County, TN, Richard was the son of the late Thomas Andrew McFerrin and Tommie Short McFerrin.
Richard was a man of many accomplishments and passions. He graduated from Central High School in 1964 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1968. Later, he pursued his passion for law, obtaining his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Nashville YMCA Night Law School. A lifelong member of the Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Richard found joy in serving his community. He was also an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1792 in Fayetteville.
Professionally, Richard embarked on a successful career in insurance with Allstate Insurance Company. Upon retirement, he fulfilled his dream of living on his family farm in Camargo. He named the farm Serendipity Farm and registered the farm as a Century farm on the Tennessee registry. Pursuing his love for cooking BBQ, he founded the renowned Camargo BBQ and delighted patrons at the Lincoln County Fair for over 30 years. Richard’s annual Memorial Day BBQ event at Serendipity Farm became a cherished tradition, running consistently for 45 years and bringing together friends, family, and community members. Richard will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and community. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, hard work, and a passion for bringing people together.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Deborah Higdon McFerrin; sons, Richard Andrew (Velia) Gilmer, and Matthew Allen McFerrin; daughter, Caroline Rose (Dana) Harris; grandchildren, John Holder “Jack” Harris, Finn Thomas Harris, Dustin Clay (Bailey) McFerrin, Roman (Nahely) Gilmer, Bobby (Danayle) Gilmer, Anna Faith McFerrin, and Harper Willow McFerrin; sister, Mary Alice (Larry) Nixon; sister-in-law, Sylvia McFerrin; nieces and nephews, Dwayne Thomas McFerrin, Starlene McFerrin Clancy, Melissa (Shannon) Patterson, and Stephen (Michelle) Nixon; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and close friends. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Hughes McFerrin and his brother, Joe Thomas McFerrin.
Funeral service for Richard McFerrin will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Prosperity ARP Church, with Rev. Jeremiah Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Prosperity Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Prosperity ARP Church at 19 Prosperity Church Road, Taft, TN 38488, Prosperity Cemetery Fund at 19 Prosperity Church Road, Taft, TN 38488, or the Bonclarken Camp, 500 Pine Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Richard Hughes McFerrin.
