Tal Flurry

E. T. “Tal” Flurry, age 77 of Long Beach, passed away on May 28, 2024.   

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Jack Flurry.  Tal is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Sletten Flurry; his daughter, Amanda Marie Belew; his son, Martin Talmadge Flurry; his granddaughter, Bailey Belew; his sister, Jackie Besse; and his nieces and nephews.

Tal was born July 20, 1946, in Jackson, Mississippi, and spent his youth in Canton, graduating from Canton High School.   He was a graduate of Hinds Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Tal also served in the Mississippi Air National Guard, Gulfport 173rd Squadron and 255th Squadron. His first job was as Financial Advisor to the CAP program in Long Beach after Hurricane Camille.

 Tal began working in the office of the Harrison County Tax Assessor in 1973.  He was elected Harrison County Tax Assessor in 1999 and held that office until his retirement in 2020. He was a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers, the International Right of Way Association, a State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser, a Mississippi Assessment Evaluator, and a Licensed Real Estate Broker.

Tal was a dedicated member of Long Beach Presbyterian Church.  He taught Sunday School, and served as Youth Director, Treasurer, and an Elder for many years.  He was on the Long Beach Zoning Board and coached in the Long Beach Athletic Programs.  He was also a member of the Gulfport, B.P.O.E

Tal was an avid fisherman and was never happier than when he was in his boat headed out to the islands.  Especially close to Tal’s heart were the Thanksgivings spent at the Flurry family farm with his sister and her family.  He is remembered with great affection by his nieces and nephews for the sleepovers at Uncle Tal and Aunt Betty’s. “Uncle Towel” always acted as their personal short order cook, preparing each one of them their breakfast of choice.   He made many special memories for family and friends with the annual Flurry 4th of July Beach Bonfire and Party. 

Visitation will be Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. with the prayer service following at 1:00 p.m. at the Riemann Family Funeral Home 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, MS 39560.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a love offering be made to the charity of choice.