Ronald Joseph Furr

Ronald “Ronnie” Joseph Furr, of Dunkirk, MD, passed away in the arms of his daughter on October 4, 2022 after a lengthy illness. He was 86. He was born on February 14, 1936 in Washington, D.C. to Joseph Furr and Annie May (Luskey) Furr, a sweet, smiley little boy sandwiched between two adoring sisters.   

Raised and schooled in Washington, D.C., Ronnie grew up in Southwest Washington. In his younger years, he was an avid boater and an active member of the Sea Scouts. Later, he became an accomplished driver as a proud member of the Teamsters Union, Local 639. He was a member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Owings, MD, where he served as a greeter/usher for many years. He was an old car enthusiast, and he loved to travel to Daytona Beach with his tight-knit group of friends. 

Never afraid of hard work, Ronnie began his working career as a teenager with Gischner Iron Works. He later drove a delivery truck for the American Ice Company, where he met his lifelong friend-turned brother, Frank Biggs. When he accepted a position with Bevard Brothers (later Silver Hill Aggregates), “Pogo” became well-known as a jovial workmate, and admired for his impressive driving skill and impeccable safety record. After years of dedicated service with Bevard, he retired in 2003, celebrating with his family and friends. Upon his retirement, Ronnie and his buddy “Foster” began working on “honey-do” projects until illness and injury forced him to take on the role of “supervisor”. 

Anyone who knew Ronnie knew that his happy, slightly mischievous smile was almost always accompanied by booming laugher; he loved to hear and tell good jokes and share funny stories. But the most important thing to Ronnie was his family. He was devoted to his wife and daughter, and to his precious grandchildren. He was an exceptionally proud grandfather, and there was scarcely a time where he wasn’t giving them bear hugs and declaring, “Pop loves you!” In his final weeks, “Pop” was the only name to which he would answer.  

In addition to his parents, Ronnie was predeceased by his elder sister, Anne E. Vallerie, as well as his cherished family friends Harold & Nancy Ursitti, and Frank & Libby Biggs.  

He is survived by his cherished wife of 48 years, Rebecca S. Furr; his beloved daughter, Antoni F. Hanlon-Chan and her husband David Chan; his grandchildren whom he lovingly referred to as his “pride and joy”, Madison E. Hanlon, Zachary J. Hanlon, and Michael G. Chan; his younger sister, Joann Lopez; a cousin, Gary Furr; a very special niece, Lynn Ursitti McGirr and her husband, Brian; and his lifelong friend, Donovan Foster. Many other extended friends and family members will miss him dearly. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Ronnie on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 11:00am at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1601 W. Mount Harmony Rd., Owings, MD 20736. Interment will be private. 

Because higher education was vitally important to Ronnie, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to his grandchildren’s college fund, which he personally began years ago. Donations to that fund can be via Venmo @AnnieHanlon-Chan or by check, payable to Antoni Hanlon at 11911 Lexington Drive, Dunkirk MD, 20754. 

The family would like to sincerely thank the dedicated staff of Sunrise of Annapolis for their compassionate and gentle care during Ronnie’s short stay. They would also like to specifically express their gratitude to Lisa & Tony Martinez, Donovan Foster, Jane Watson, and Lynn & Brian McGirr for their unwavering support and dedication to Ronnie and the family during his final months.  

Services for Ronald Furr will be held at Jesus the Good Sheperd Thursday October 27, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. https://www.youtube.com/c/JesustheGoodShepherdCatholicCommunity