Richard Jerry McFerrin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Watch Live: Use this link - https://tinyurl.com/3arh6y4v/live OBITUARY Richard Jerry McFerrin, Sr. (“Mac”, “RJ”) passed away on July 19, 2022 at the age of 86 with family and friends by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Lena McFerrin Smith and Ernest Smith; his “sister-aunt” with whom he grew up, Joanna McFerrin Edwards; and his wife of 57 years, Carol Ann Boulden McFerrin. Richard was born in Sedalia, Missouri on February 27, 1936 and spent his early life there on his grandparents’ farm. He had an uncanny long-term memory and often shared the minute details about life with his grandparents, which included learning to read the Bible at age five, eating a pig from “tail to snout”, and his grandmother serving crushed candy canes to guests as an hors d’oeuvre. Despite what was a very humble beginning by any standard, he also learned that he could do anything he set his mind to, that respect was earned, and that “you only have one name” and you should protect it. He passed these lessons on to his children. Richard arrived at Howard University in 1956 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1959. He was a life-long donor to his alma mater. In addition to obtaining an education that he was proud of, he met Carol Ann Boulden at Howard in or around 1957 and they married in 1960. Together they had five children, fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Richard was devastated by the loss of Carol in October 2017. He had known and loved her for 60 years and found the adjustment to life without her difficult. Richard was fortunate to have two long careers, but he was most proud of his military service. He was a decorated veteran, having served as an officer in the U.S. Army, Infantry Division, for over twenty years on active and reserve duty. He survived two tours in Vietnam and one in Korea. He received the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars for his service. His last rank was that of Lt. Colonel. After his military service, the family moved from Hampton, Virginia to Saline, Michigan where Richard enjoyed a second career in personnel management for General Motors, from which he retired after 22 years in 2000. Richard had many interests and skills. As a young man, he distinguished himself in cross country running and basketball. His love of track and field and basketball was something that he instilled in his children. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for 50 years, serving in various leadership roles over his tenure. He loved listening to jazz and reading western novels, Louis L’Amour being one of his favorite writers. He also appreciated fine clothing; he enjoyed wearing a suit complete with jacket, vest, tie and hat. His memory of obscure historical facts made him a formidable Trivial Pursuit player, so much so the family eventually stopped playing with him. Richard had a curious mind and would talk about, and give his opinion on, just about any subject. Richard’s grit, commitment to family and detailed tales about his personal history will be missed by his children, Richard, Jr (Sharena), Michael (Angela), Robin, Tracy (Michael) and Christopher (Chastity), fifteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, cousins and friends.

Richard Jerry McFerrin

February 27, 1936 - July 19, 2022