Individual Details

Death

Michael Cleo Furr peacefully passed away after a long illness at the age of 73 on Monday, March 13, 2023 at his home surrounded by family and friends. Michael was born on July 29, 1949 at Mobile Infirmary in Mobile, Alabama. He was a beloved lifelong resident of Jackson, Alabama. Michael was a friend to many and was known for his vibrant personality, great sense of humor, and contagious laugh. Michael attended Jackson High School where he played the trumpet in the school band, baseball, and football for the Jackson Aggies. During high school, Michael developed a passion for public safety while serving as a junior fire fighter beginning at age 15. He completed his high school studies in the spring of 1967 and went on to attend Marion Military Institute from 1967-1969 where earned a coveted spot on the Commandant's Scholar List and became a College Baseball Letterman. He later continued his studies at the University of South of Alabama from 1969-1970. Michael continued to pursue his passion and earned a Volunteer Fire Fighter Certificate, a Hazardous Materials A & O Certificate, along with a Fire Investigators Certificate from the Alabama Fire College (2007-2009). In 2010, he earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern Community College. Michael also became a Certified Fire Investigator by the International Association of Arson Investigators. Through the years Michael continued his training and earned additional certifications such as various Homeland Security Response certifications, Radiation Awareness training, and extensive vehicle and electrical fire investigation certifications. He held many positions in the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department ending his years of service as Deputy Fire Chief. Michael married the love of his life Patricia Anne Hornsby on March 11, 1972 in Mobile, Alabama. Three years later Michael and Pat moved to Jackson, Alabama where Michael took over Furr's IGA from his father. Michael was later employed by International Paper Company (1986-1988), Newsprint South (1988-1990), Alabama River Newsprint (1990-2009), and Thyssenkrupp Steel USA (2010-2014). Michael was an active member of his community, serving for over fifty years with the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, Rotary Club and as a member of First Baptist Church. Michael is preceded in death by his parents Jesse Cleo Furr and RoseLyn (Smith) Furr of Jackson, Alabama, paternal grandparents Andrew Cleve and Penelope Furr of Jackson, Alabama and maternal grandparents John and Ruby Smith of Salipta, Alabama. Michael is survived by his loving wife Pat of fifty-one years and three children Michelle (Patrick) Harrigan, Andy (Holly) Furr, and Jessica Furr (Jay VanDee). Michael was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Virginia Ann and Elle Michael Harrigan, Maggie, Emma, and Sarah Beth Parker, Drew and Kate Furr, and William Garris. Michael was a dedicated family man who loved spending time sharing his love of nature with his children and grandchildren. The members of the Furr Family would like to thank family, friends, and members of the Jackson community for their continued love, support, and prayers. The kindness bestowed on the family has brought great peace and comfort, especially to Michael during the past nine years. Services will be held Thursday, March 16 at the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Alabama with visitation from 9:00-11:00 am with a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department Truck Restoration at P.O. Box 856 Jackson, Alabama 36545.