Individual Details

Death

ROCK HILL - Mr. James Herbert (Jimmy) Furr III, 74, passed away at Piedmont Medical Center on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011. He was a former businessman who owned and operated several local restaurants, including the Point After. Jimmy Furr was born on March 17, 1937, in Rock Hill, S.C., to the late James H. Furr Jr. and the late Pearlie Honeycutt Furr. He grew up in Rock Hill where his parents operated the Midget Grill and took an early interest in serving his country by joining the Civil Air Patrol cadets. After graduating from Rock Hill High School, he attended the Citadel for two years, then took his Air Force training and entered the Air Force Reserves. Afterward, he transferred to the University of South Carolina, from which he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in business and political science. From that time on, he was an avid Gamecocks fan. Shortly after earning his degree, he became a Congressional aide and then returned to Rock Hill to begin his successful business career. Of all his roles in life, Jimmy was proudest of being a recovered alcoholic and a loving husband to the former Elaine Ferguson. More than 20 years ago, he determined to stop drinking after several failed attempts. With the support of his mother and the counsel of the Rev. Bully Faulkenberry, a recovered alcoholic himself, Jimmy gave up drinking by attending as he put it, "Every AA meeting in the Tri-County area" and by reading the Bible frequently. Several years after his recovery, Jimmy began courting Elaine. They were married on Jan. 22, 2000. In the fall before their first anniversary, Jimmy and Elaine had a late honeymoon on a trip to Italy, where they joined his cousin, Sandra Furr Hannon, and her son for the dedication of a monument in honor of his late uncle, Lt. Colonel Charles Furr. On that trip, Jimmy commented on their approaching first anniversary in much the same way that a child looked forward to Christmas. He could not believe his good fortune in finding someone like Elaine to love him. They enjoyed nearly 12 years of marriage before the heart attack that took his life. Jimmy is survived by Elaine and her daughters, Tiffany Morrison and Sharlene Fudge, all of Rock Hill, and by his daughter, Robin Wellons of Myrtle Beach. In addition, he is survived by seven grandchildren and many first cousins, including Ella Jane Messer and Sandra Hannon of Rock Hill, Arthur Honeycutt of Delaware, Phyllis Ann Starnes of Fort Mill and Jeanette Mathis of Columbia, all of whom considered him a precious friend. He is also survived by his longtime friend and fellow Gamecock, Buddy McCarter. In addition to being preceded in death by both his parents, Jimmy suffered the loss of his daughter, Jennifer Lynn Furr, and his brother, Danny Ray Furr. He deeply mourned their passing. A service to celebrate Jimmy's life will be conducted by the Rev. Rusty Clark at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at the Downtown Chapel of Greene Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until the service begins. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.The family will be at the home of Tiffany and Pat Morrison, 2887 Forest Hills Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. They have suggested that memorials be made to the Serenity Club of York County, 209 Grayson Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730 or the Salvation Army, 119 S. Charlotte Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29730.
Published in The Herald from December 28 to December 30, 2011