Mr. Howard Allen McFarlin, 82 of Picayune, passed away Tuesday in Jackson. He was born December 13, 1937 in North MS, the son of Albert Allen & Birdie Mae (Smart) McFarlin. He grew up in the Independence, MS area during the post-depression era, spending a lot of time in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. They were carpenters, building houses and other structures in and around the local area. As a young man, Howard would ride his grandfather's tractor to town on Friday evenings, always making sure to fill it back up with gas on the way home so he wouldn't know. After high school, he continued with what he had learned from his father, making a career as a carpenter himself. Howard loved NASCAR and Dale Earnhart, as well as the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. He even got to see the Tigers win the NCAA National Football Championship Monday evening. Howard was an easy-going man that got along with most everybody. He enjoyed having company over and hanging around with his friends, but his grandkids had his heart. He is remembered as a great father and good friend, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Howard was preceded by his parents, Albert & Birdie Mae McFarlin, and his son Howard Jr. Left to cherish his memories are: his daughter Debra Eaves of Picayune, and sons Ricky (Shelley) and Keith, both of TN; siblings Charles (Pat) McFarlin of TX, Jo Vanhorn, Rosie (Robert) Fairchild, and Willie (Dottie) McFarlin, all of MS. He leaves a legacy of six grandchildren and eleven great-grands that he loved dearly, with a host of friends and neighbors down through the years. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the McFarlin family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them lifted up in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.