Jerry L. Furlow

The Life and Times of Jerry L. Furlow “Pluke” On February 9, 1947 Jerry Calvin and Minnie Ola Brooks Furlow welcomed the birth of a son they named Jerry Laverne Furlow. Jerry was a fun loving and curious little boy. He united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at the age of seven under the leadership of Rev. Anthony. He was a 1964 graduate of Simmons High School where he was the captain of the basketball team and played the forward position; and catcher for the baseball team. He was a talented athlete and an engaged student. He attended Henderson State University where he studied physical education. He later enlisted into the United States Army and was the recipient of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who have been wounded in action. Purple represents courage.Jerry worked as a supervisor with the Arkadelphia Human Development Center and retired after 31 years of dedicated service. He was straightforward and fair; always challenging his employees to do more and work harder. He was a natural outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a lifelong member of the Antoine Buck Horn Club which was started by his father, as well as, the Four Seasons Hunting Club in Forrest City, Arkansas. Jerry was a big supporter of Simmons High School and was a member of the Simmons High School Alumni Association. He was known to “take a stroll to the Meeks Settlement”. He was a fan of the blues; some of his favorite songs were “Soul Heaven” and “For the Good Times”. He would often travel to blues and music festivals across the state just to sit and enjoy the stories told in the blues. When he wasn’t outside you could find him glued to the television watching countless hours of westerns. One of his greatest joys was spending memorable moments with relatives and friends, both young and old. He could bring a room to a belly-aching laughter with a well-timed joke; or bring cheer to his family and friends with his moves on the dance floor. Loss is never easy, but it is made less painful when we recall the many moments when “Pluke” experienced and gave to others pure, unquestioned joy. Family, as well as friends, will miss his strength, smile and love, but will never forget his spirit and compassion. He passed into the Lord’s embrace on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Arkansas Hospice in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Calvin Furlow and niece, Shanika R. Martin (2015) and great-nephew, Darius Martin (2011). He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved mother, Minnie O. Furlow; Michelle Furlow, Christopher (Felecia) Furlow and Lonya (Travon) Newborn whom he cherished as his children; a special friend and longtime confidante, Rosie Gill; beloved grandsons, Kelton Newborn and Alante Newborn; sisters, Maude (Ralph) Nelson of Hot Springs, AR, Mary (Rickey) Penny of Delight, AR and Janice Snowden of Fitchburg, MA; a brother, Roy Lee (Catherine) Reed of Delight, AR; and an aunt, Rosie Thomas of Delight, AR. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends, the Antoine Buckhorn Club and the Four Seasons Hunting Club. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Delight Gymnasium in Delight, Arkansas. Rev. Rufus R. Hatley will officiate and deliver the eulogy. Interment will be at Harrison Chapel Cemetery. The public viewing is scheduled for Friday, July 28, 2017 from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. The family will gather and greet friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.