Larry Don McFarlin, known to many as Coach Mac, passed away on June 12, 2026, at his home after a valiant fight against colon cancer. He was born on December 5, 1958, in Bonham, Texas, to Jack and Juanita McFarlin, and throughout his life he remained deeply connected to the community and the values that shaped him from the beginning. Arrangements are under the direction of Wise Funeral Home, Bonham, TX. 

Coach Mac devoted 47 years of his life to football, and his influence reached far beyond the field. He began his coaching career in Bonham, Texas, and went on to coach at Denison, Paris, Paris North Lamar, Lone Oak, Ratan, and Honey Grove. In every place he served, he brought passion, discipline, and heart to the young men and women he mentored. Football was not simply a profession to him. It was his life, his calling, and the avenue through which he touched countless lives. The children he coached were changed by his guidance, his encouragement, and his belief in their potential. Students often carried the life lessons Coach Mac taught them on the field long after graduating. 

He was admired not only for his coaching accomplishments but also for the way he lived his life with authenticity and strength. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His genuine kindness and easy conversation left a lasting impression on friends, players, fellow coaches, and community members throughout Texas. He was loved by coaches and students across the state, and his name carried respect wherever the game of football was played.

Coach Mac was a true cowboy at heart, and that spirit was evident in the way he approached life. He was hardworking, proud, and deeply rooted in the values of loyalty, grit, and perseverance. He also found great joy in the world beyond coaching. He was a five-time Benny Binion Champion with the highest selling bull, an accomplishment that reflected both his dedication and his remarkable presence in the arena. Whether on the sideline, in the community, or among friends and family, he carried himself with the same steady confidence and sincerity that defined him throughout his life.

Above all else, he loved spending time with his wife, friends, and family. Those who knew him best will remember the laughter, the stories, and the sense of belonging he created wherever he went. His life was marked by meaningful relationships, and he gave his time and heart freely to those he loved. His family and friends were the center of his world, and he treasured every moment shared with them.

Coach Mac was twice inducted into the Fannin County Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. His achievements, while impressive, were only part of his story. His true legacy is found in the lives he shaped, the lessons he taught, and the example he set through courage, kindness, and commitment. He will be remembered as a man who gave everything he had to the game he loved and to the people fortunate enough to know him.

Coach started his career in his hometown of Bonham so it seems fitting to honor his life under the lights at Warrior Stadium on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 7:30PM. Come and fill the stands and show your purple pride for this one-of-a-kind husband, father, coach, cowboy and friend. The family will receive friends the night before on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 6pm to 8pm at Wise Funeral Home Chapel. Pallbearers will be Sawyer Hunnicutt, Dadrian Stewart, Levi Beavers, Bill Parker, Colin Clark, and Cole Lackey. Pastor Dereck White will officiate. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Juanita McFarlin. Those left to carry on his legacy - the love of his life wife, Paula McFarlin, father, Jack McFarlin, brother, Randy McFarlin and wife Carolyn, daughter, Rae Lynn Hamby and husband Justin, son, James McFarlin and wife Megan, step- children, Michael Darden, Craig Darden and wife Sarah, Derek Darden and wife Samantha, Nathan Darden, grandchildren, Caden Hamby, Brooklynn Hamby, Adalynn Hamby, Blakely McFarlin,  Landon Darden, Lily Darden, Paisley Darden, Katie Darden, Ava Darden, Haleigh Darden, William Darden, Wesley Darden, and many lifelong friends, coaches, and students. 

To the man that raised the bar all throughout his life, well done thy good and faithful servant.