Henry Bedford Furr

Dr. Henry Bedford Furr was born to Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Furr, Sr., in Breckenridge, Texas, and passed from this life on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 in Abilene, Texas. His parents and one sister, Jewel Furr, preceded him in death. He and Oneta Roberts were married in Wichita Falls, Texas at First United Methodist Church. Dr. Furr is survived by his wife, Dr. Oneta Furr of Abilene. Dr. Furr pursued careers in both education and business. He was valedictorian of his Breckenridge High School class and also, of his graduating class at John Tarleton Agricultural College, where he rose to the rank of Cadet Colonel, the highest ranking cadet officer. He was graduated with high honor from Southern Methodist University. He and his wife earned doctoral degrees at the same time from North Texas State University -- the only married couple to accomplish that achievement to that time at that institution. He was charter president of the Texhoma Field Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. After serving a number of years as a classroom teacher, he became Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Wichita Falls, both for secondary education and for business administration. In early adult years he worked as announcer and account executive for Radio Station KWFT in Wichita Falls, and went on to become sales and promotion manager for United Electric Company of that city. He served as keynote speaker for numerous conventions, both regional and national. Dr. Furr was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, having held several responsible positions, including that of Certified Lay Speaker. He was a member of Kiwanis International over fifty years, holding many positions at the local club level. He was a past president of the Abilene Kiwanis Club and had served as president of another Kiwanis club. He organized three new clubs and served as Lieutenant Governor. He was a recipient of the Kiwanis Legion of Honor. Dr. Furr will be remembered as an outstanding scholar with a quiet but relentless passion for helping others. There will be a private family graveside service in Elmwood Memorial Park on Thursday morning, May 26, with a memorial service to follow at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech Street, at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Clifford S. Stewart and Dr. Eduardo Rivera officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Honorary pallbearers will be Tryce Bagley, Heath Bagley, Tim Willis, Joe Blake, Jackie Lankford, Bob Cook and Ty Baynes. Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and health professionals for your excellent care of Dr. Bedford Furr. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's favorite charity.