John Wayland Farrell

John Wayland Farrell Sr., born May 8, 1937, to John Marvin Farrell and Maud Poplin Farrell, passed away on February 6, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Farrell; his parents; his brother, Thomas Morris; and his sister, Lucille Morris Farrell.

He is survived by his three children: Donna Robosson (Clint) of Cumberland, Maryland; Bonnie Strowd of Pittsboro; and John Wayland Farrell Jr. (Sheryl) of Hewitt, Texas. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Amy and Chris (Donna); Faith and Olivia (Bonnie); John III and Courtney (John Jr); and eight great-grandchildren: Nicholas and Greyson (Donna); Madelyn; Charlotte and Miller (Bonnie); and Harvey, Harrison, and Harlan (John Jr).

John was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served in the 3rd Infantry Regiment, better known as “The Old Guard.”  This is the Army's premier ceremonial unit providing military funeral honors with horse-drawn caissons at Arlington National Cemetery for fallen soldiers.

He served his community for many years with Griffin Funeral Home in Pittsboro and was well known around town for his distinctive white hair worn in a flat-top haircut and his dapper dress. John was a devoted member of the Masonic Lodge for 62 years, having been inducted in 1964 and served as Master of Columbus Lodge in 1988.

John was a long-time member of Hanks Chapel United Church of Christ where his family attended for generations. He most recently attended Gum Springs Baptist Church. Both his church families blessed his life in many ways and he treasured the friendship and fellowship from both church families. 

Services for John will be held on Saturday February 14, 2026 at Hanks Chapel Church at 1:00 pm. Visitation and fellowship will follow at the church fellowship hall.

The family would like to recognize the care and comfort given to their dad and their family by Transitions Hospice Home in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford NC. Make donations in honor of Worshipful Brother John Farrell Columbus Lodge #102.  600 College Street Oxford, NC 27565.     https://mhc-oxford.org/

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Farrell family.