William Furling
ARIZONA - William Furling, known by his friends and associates as Bill or Buck, passed away March 25, 2014, at Banner Hospice in Arizona.
He was born in St. James, MO, on April 27, 1936, the son of William and Ella Furling.
His parents, as well as three sisters, Jane, Charlotte, and Neomi, preceded him in death.
Bill married Delores Frey on May 21, 1955, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, William "Trey" (wife Cindy) Furling III; three granddaughters: Alyssa, Chelsea, and Tracey; a great-grandson, William Cooper Furling; and a sister, Emelia Snelson, of Rolla, MO. He has several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Buck proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, Division of Aircraft Control and Warning during the Korean War. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Following his military service, he worked as an Air Traffic Controller in Houston, TX, Indianapolis, and Muncie, IN, and then retired from Capital Airport in Springfield, IL after 25 years of service.
Bill had a passion for land developing, home building, and real estate. He founded Bill Furling Realtors in 1980 and his son continues the business today. Buck served as president of the Springfield Board of Realtors, (now the Capital Area Association of Realtors) in 1991 and was named Realtor of the Year in 1993. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of St. Paul's Lodge #500 AF&AM, achieving 32nd degree, a member of the Ansar Shrine, and the Clown Unit.
A Masonic service will be conducted by St. Paul's Lodge #500 AF&AM at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014, at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, with a memorial gathering following until time of the memorial service at 12:30 pm. Dr. Bob Swickard will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force and the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131-3597
Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I met Bill in the real estate business in the early 80's when he was just starting his subdivision. I always found him of the utmost integrity and always enjoyed working with him. I also very highly respect his service to our country. My deepest sympathies.
John Gulley
April 29, 2014
Trey - so sorry for your loss.
Prayers for your entire family.
Leslie Ann (Barregarye) Dinora
April 25, 2014
Dear Trey, Cindy and Furling Family,
Please know our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We are sorry we unable to attend your Dad's memorial service. We are sending a donation to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis in his name. Hugs to all of you!
Kevin and Linda O'Brien
April 24, 2014
All of you know how I felt about Buck, he was more than a Mentor,he was like a second Father to me. I'm not sure how life would have turned out for me had he not given me guidance.
He will be missed by his family and friends and his spirit will be missed by all. Rest in peace. Kevin
April 24, 2014
Delores,Trey,Cindy,and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Buck's passing.
Rich and Donna Yates
April 23, 2014
Buck was more than a friend, he was a brother. He was my instructor at Capital Airport Air Traffic Control Facility. I have thought of him often over the years and know his loss will be felt by many
Carl Netterville
April 23, 2014
Delores, Trey and Cindy,
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Don and Karen Krager
April 23, 2014
My sincerest condolences to Delores, Trey and the rest of the family.
May the Supreme Architect of the Universe bring peace and comfort to you all.
Gene Gyure
April 23, 2014
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