Gerald Furman, also affectionately known as “Papa Smurf”, avid fisherman, hunter, and NASCAR fan passed away on September 22, 2023, in Kinston, NC, at the age of 76. He was born in Beaufort County on February 19, 1947.
Gerald was preceded in death by his father and mother, John Harvey and Annie Bell Furman, his brother, John Harlie Furman, his wife, Marsha Arrington Furman, and his daughter, Regina Leigh Furman. He was also preceded in death by his special dog, Bentley.
He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Pennypacker (Jonathan) and Beverly McMillen (Todd), as well as his sister, Grace Hall. Gerald also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jessica Ham (Kendall), Zachary Langley (Jessica), Nathan Pennypacker (Kat), Serge McMillen (Maria), and Kelsey Kirkland (Kenny) and seven great-grandchildren, Lane, Kaden, Kandace, Karter, Patton, Arthur, and Michael. He is also survived by his cat, affectionately known as Blackie.
Gerald was an avid fisherman and hunter who found solace in the great outdoors. Whether casting his line into the waters or navigating through the wilderness, he found joy in the simplicity of nature. His love for these activities was only surpassed by his enthusiasm for NASCAR. Gerald could often be found cheering on his favorite drivers, immersing himself in the excitement and thrill of the race.
Gerald served in the US Army in Vietnam. He was a welder by trade and worked his entire life as a welder, crane operator, and heavy equipment operator. He took pride in his work and dearly loved his work family. He cherished his friends, family, and work family more than anything else in the world – except maybe a cold beer, his ladies, and his smokes. He will always be remembered as a hard working and fun loving man.
Services for Gerald will be held privately, with a Celebration of Life to be organized at a later date. The arrangements are being handled by Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service of Washington, NC, who is honored to serve the Furman family during this difficult time.
Gerald was preceded in death by his father and mother, John Harvey and Annie Bell Furman, his brother, John Harlie Furman, his wife, Marsha Arrington Furman, and his daughter, Regina Leigh Furman. He was also preceded in death by his special dog, Bentley.
He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Pennypacker (Jonathan) and Beverly McMillen (Todd), as well as his sister, Grace Hall. Gerald also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jessica Ham (Kendall), Zachary Langley (Jessica), Nathan Pennypacker (Kat), Serge McMillen (Maria), and Kelsey Kirkland (Kenny) and seven great-grandchildren, Lane, Kaden, Kandace, Karter, Patton, Arthur, and Michael. He is also survived by his cat, affectionately known as Blackie.
Gerald was an avid fisherman and hunter who found solace in the great outdoors. Whether casting his line into the waters or navigating through the wilderness, he found joy in the simplicity of nature. His love for these activities was only surpassed by his enthusiasm for NASCAR. Gerald could often be found cheering on his favorite drivers, immersing himself in the excitement and thrill of the race.
Gerald served in the US Army in Vietnam. He was a welder by trade and worked his entire life as a welder, crane operator, and heavy equipment operator. He took pride in his work and dearly loved his work family. He cherished his friends, family, and work family more than anything else in the world – except maybe a cold beer, his ladies, and his smokes. He will always be remembered as a hard working and fun loving man.
Services for Gerald will be held privately, with a Celebration of Life to be organized at a later date. The arrangements are being handled by Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service of Washington, NC, who is honored to serve the Furman family during this difficult time.
Tribute Wall