Junius M. Futrell

August 1, 1935 - February 4, 2025

Decatur – Junius M. Futrell, 89, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Junius was born on August 1, 1935, in Paragould, Ark., the son of Dr. Junius B. and Marguerite (Bisbee) Futrell. A Navy veteran, Junius spent his career as a teacher and administrator in the Clinton and Mt. Zion, Ill. school districts. He also enjoyed being an assistant coach during his time in Clinton.

Junius loved spending time with his family, whether it was camping under the stars, tending to his garden, or enjoying a friendly game of golf or tennis. When he was young, his bird dogs were never far from his side during his hunting adventures. An avid Illini fan and lover of sports, Junius's enthusiasm was infectious.

Junius was adventurous. From flying as a private pilot to white water rafting to scuba diving, he was always eager for the next experience. Junius was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church. His patience, support, and unwavering kindness were a blessing to all who knew him. Junius married Connie G. Magoulias on November 24, 1965, in Clinton, Ill., and enjoyed a happy and full life raising his family with her.

Surviving is his wife, Connie of Decatur; children: Junius M. (Leigh) Futrell of O'Fallon, Mo., John B. (Debra) Futrell of Staunton, Ill., and Jill M. (Garry) Bouvet of Crestwood, Ky.; grandchildren: Junius A. Futrell, Meghan Bouvet, Trent Bouvet, Jacob Futrell, and Jessica Futrell.

Junius was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carolyn Cook.

Private services will be held to honor Junius. Though we will gather in a small circle, the love and support from those who knew Junius will see us through this difficult time.

In honor of Junius's generous spirit, contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Inn, Habitat for Humanity, or Meals on Wheels.

We will miss Junius' wonderful smile, his gentle presence, and the way he made each of us feel special. Junius, thank you for the love and light you brought into our lives. You will forever be in our hearts.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

Graceland/Fairlawn

2091 N. Oakland Ave.

Decatur, IL 62526

217-429-5439

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Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Feb. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Junius Futrell

Sponsored by Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Julie North

February 11, 2025

Mr. Futrell was our HS principal in Clinton Ill. I worked in hos office my senior year and enjoyed it. He was kind to every one. His smile was infectious. He will be missed. He also had a great voice. My heart is sad for his family.

Thomas Elliott

February 11, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I remember Mr. Futrell from junior high school as being a fair person as my principal, as I grew older I remember him playing tennis in our neighborhood tennis courts on Woodland drive in Mt. Zion and I would always say hello to him as I walked by the courts. It is sad to know that he is no longer with us, but he left a long lasting gift to all of his students that passed thru Mt. Zion Junior High

Paula McAnelly Lane

February 11, 2025

Mr.Futrell was a wonderful principal when I went to his school.

Kathleen (Wyatt) Davis

February 10, 2025

Many condolences to the family of Junius.
Junius and I met years ago at a Roosevelt Junior High event back in the early eighties. We somehow figured out we were both from the tiny town of Rector, Arkansas. After delving further into who we might know in common, we realized that his father was the man who delivered me and my doctor until I moved out of the state. Our meeting made me realize how small the world is and how connected we all really are. Many years later, we ran into one another on a golf course and had a good laugh about it. He was a lovely man and his family was such an important part of my life growing up. As limited as our interactions were, they taught me an important lesson about how I see the world.

Larry R Livingston

February 10, 2025

I was fortunate to know Junius, and to play many games of tennis with him. He had great enthusiasm for everything he did. My condolences to his family.

Bill Kruse

February 8, 2025

I was a 1977 graduate of Mt. Zion High School. Mr. Futrell was a very friendly and kind man who was always ready to help any of the young people who he was in charge of at the school. What a great man. I was so lucky to have him be a part of my education. I send my condolences to his family and will pray for you all and thank God for sending Mr. Futrell to be a part of my life.

Amy Gosnell-Scranton

February 8, 2025

Mr Futrell was a kind polite man, a great principle at Mt. Zion. #classof79

Deeann Cisco

February 8, 2025

Such a nice man. I remember him well from school. Condolences to his family.

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