Franklin James 'Pop' McFarlane

SALISBURY - Franklin James "Pop" McFarlane of Mardela Springs, Md., died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. He was 76.

He was born August 26, 1931, in Salisbury, a son of the late Lee and Nettie Majors McFarlane.

Mr. McFarlane worked at Wright's Dairy Farm in Mardela Springs before beginning a career as a plumber with Progressive Plumbing and Heating in Salisbury. He then spent 30 years working at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in the maintenance department. He was also a former co-owner of the Mardela Speedway go-kart track where he spent a lot of time making sure everything was in good shape. He could fix almost anything and had a fondness for repairing old tractors and boats. Fishing and duck carving were some of his favorite hobbies, but his true passion was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was an honorary member and past chief for over 16 years of the Mardela Fire Company. He was a member of Athol Baptist Church in Mardela Springs.

He is survived by four children, Jimmy McFarlane and his wife, Cindy, of Vienna, Phyllis A. Majors and her husband, Joe, of Allen, Bobby McFarlane and his wife, Gail, of Mardela Springs, and H.L. McFarlane and his wife, Sharlotte, of Mardela Springs; 11 grandchildren, Kristin Guessford and her husband, Matt, Jamie McFarlane, Kelli McFarlane, Melissa Jo Jones and her husband, Kenny, Katie Majors, Robbie McFarlane, Heather McFarlane, Ryan McFarlane, Brandon McFarlane, Allison McFarlane and Hunter Gebert; a great granddaughter, Kelsea Mae Jones; and a sister, Ann Brumbley and her husband, Barry of Bethel, Del. He is also survived by an aunt, Alice Barnett, of Salisbury, and two nieces, Shari Bramble and her husband, Paul of Newalla, Okla., and Kim Tyndall and her husband, Sammy, and their three children, Shelby, Trey and Sydney, of Laurel, Del.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Helen Ann McFarlane, who passed away in 2006, and a brother, Robert McFarlane.

A visitation for family and friends will be held today at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. The Reverend Edwin Dennis will officiate. Interment will be held at Athol Baptist Church Cemetery in Mardela Springs. Visitation was also held at Short Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 30.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Coastal Hospice at the Lake, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.