Individual Details

Death

James Eric Furr, 72, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025. He was born on June 23, 1953, in Albemarle, North Carolina, to Gilford Lee “Beasie” Furr and Marion Elizabeth “Libby” Furr Drye. Eric was a steady, quiet presence — someone who found joy in simple things and deep meaning in the people he loved. He shared 20 years of marriage with his wife, Rev. Cynthia Furr (Cindy), built on devotion, friendship, and care. Eric didn’t need much to be happy; he led a simple, easy-going life. One of Eric’s greatest loves was the railroad. He worked as a locomotive engineer for the Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railway, a job he truly enjoyed. Trains were more than a career — they were part of who he was. For nearly 55 years, Saturdays often meant sitting under a shade tree in Salisbury with his family and fellow rail fans, talking, laughing, and watching the trains roll by. Eric’s life held both joy and heartbreak. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sheila Lynn Barbee Furr; his son, Adam Blake Furr; his sisters, Nancy Furr and Lynn Whitley; and his brother-in-law, David Whitley. Through it all, Eric carried love, memories, and quiet strength. Those who will miss him most include his son, Seth Daniel Furr (April) of Porter and his daughter, Erica Lynn Hurt (Lennie) of Albemarle; his grandchildren, Justin and Mallory Furr and Lexi Hurt, who meant the world to him; his stepdaughters, Tammy Core and Linda Core (Bret Garrett) of Greensboro; and his step-granddaughter, Zoey Core, who brought him joy. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 28, at 3:00 p.m. at Charity United Methodist Church, 6440 Austin-Traphill Road, Elkin, North Carolina, with Rev. Stacie Eller and Rev. Dr. Mark Barden officiating. The family invites all who knew Eric to come together to remember him — to share stories, give thanks, and honor a life marked by love, loyalty, and the steady rhythm of passing trains. Those wishing to honor Eric’s life may make memorial gifts to Charity United Methodist Church, c/o Ruby Holcomb, 2497 Roaring Gap Church Rd., Thurmond, NC 28683.