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.
Miss Deborah, and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Richard was a truly great man. In fact, he was one of my heroes.
When Fayna and I moved to Lincoln County, and I met Richard he was unbelievably kind and very friendly to both Fayna and me.
We talked about the Tennessee Vols. and about Lincoln County in general. He loved his wife and children with all his heart. He also made it very clear how much he loved your century-old farm. He invited us that very year to Serendipity Farms for the annual celebration. Of course, we didn’t know but a handful of people in Lincoln County, but he took time from his barbequing labors to introduce us to quite a lot of the folks that were there, many of whom we are still friends with today.
I remember he had a sign in his BBQ Canopy that proclaimed something along the lines of “Be Excellent to Each Other.” He not only believed these words, but lived them daily.
Fayetteville, Camargo, and Lincoln County in general, have lost a good and decent man, who looked after his neighbors, his community, and his home county.
I have lost a hero.
Sincerely,
Jeff Sargent
Our condolences to Deborah and the Mcferrin family.
It was a privilege to know Richard. Michael and I are so grateful for all the years we enjoyed “the pig roast” and the most wonderful memories of such an excellent experience at Serendipity Farms. Thank you Richard. We love you!
I want to tell Deborah we are all family I’m crying probably just as hard as you you’re family and Richard Mcferrin was a mentor to all that was his and your family we love you and we will miss him so very much my memories are so special with you and your family I’m sorry I can’t be by your side but I’m there with you every step of the way remember that family are excellent to each other love you and we are all so sorry
My sincere condolences to Deborah and Matt and the family.
Tommy introduced me to Richard and Deborah in 2005 . I will always remember Richard as a very kind and generous soul with a big heart. Richard and Deborah have shown me what being excellent to each other is all about . My thoughts and prayers are with you.
To the McFerrin Family, Sorry to hear about Richards passing. I knew Richard a long time ago in the’60’s when I would go to dances in Fayetteville with friends of mine from Belfast. We were friends of Nancy Cummings because Nancy moved from Belfast during grammar school. Richard was a wild and crazy guy who you couldn’t help but like. Thoughts and Prayers for Richards Family.
My sincere condolences to Richard’s family. Richard was my high school classmate. I am praying you all during this time of grief and may God give you comfort, and healing during this most difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Deborah and the family of Mr. Richard. He was a fine man!!
He was a great icon to my life , a well thought of person from my father and a grandfather to my granddaughter a true blue MTSU big orange fan. You will always be missed.
I remember the first time I was introduced to Richard, was at the Memorial day BBQ. Cody told me to come down to the pit and meet Richard Mcferrin he had the most kindest smile that just made you feel welcomed. Me and Cody went every year after that. Deborah I love you and I will miss him very much. As his sign above his pitt says BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER
I am Jeff Victory and attended the pig roast several times he was a great host and will be missed my condolences are with Debra
We send our sympathy to Richard’s family. He certainly had a full life. You will be in our thoughts in the days ahead.
God is Love!!!
I’m so sorry for your loss of Richard he was one of a kind. My heart is broken for you and Matt. I always enjoy talking with him. He maded everyone feel like family. My God give you comfort in the days to come..
Richard will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family.
Deborah and family. We are so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. We loved him and he was always so kind to everyone. We have enjoyed so many cookouts with you guys. Love Allison and Henry Greene
Deborah and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Richards passing. We will surely miss him. He never failed to ask Weasel (Jerry) about me and how I was doing as my health is not the greatest. We have lost a great friend. If you need anything, please let us know.
Love ya.
Our CHS Class of ‘64 has lost another member. Richard was such a good friend to all of us and everyone else he knew. We sure will miss him. My heart aches for Deborah and his family. May he Rest in Peace with no more pain and suffering. Much love.
I am so very very sorry.
Nan McFerrin Wiggins
Awesome and kind man. He will be missed. My condolences to Debra and Matt.