Richard G. Furlong
Mr. Richard G. Furlong, age 91, of Nashville/Woodland passed away Friday, March 8th, 2019 at Thornapple Rehab, in Hastings, MI.
Richard was born in Sunfield Township on September 7, 1927, the son of the late Walter and Mabel (Gray) Furlong. He attended local schools graduating W.K. Kellogg High School in 1944. Shortly after finishing high school, Richard joined the United States Army as WWII was coming to an end. Richard served his country in the Philippines as well as Korea before being honorably discharged. On August 24, 1947 Richard married Caroline (Sanborn) Furlong, in Quimby Michigan.
The couple made their home together in Woodland area, where they raised their family together. Richard & Caroline had celebrated 55 years when Caroline passed away.
Richard has spent his entire working career in the farming & agriculture business. He began farming his uncle Cecil's farm in Lake Odessa. When he sold the farm, he continued his passion for agriculture by working at Lovell Farm Implement in Charlotte. Along with his brother Kenneth the pair started Furlong Bros. Farm Implement which together they operated for several years. In 1979 he joined his brother Russell as the service manager at Maple Valley Implement where worked until retiring in 1991. Even after "retiring" Richard would be at the shop almost every day, to be close to his friends, his co-workers, and the farm tractors.
In his spare time, Richard enjoyed working with wood, and often would use his talents to build things for his family and friends. His passion for farming equipment was evident everywhere you looked. Along with his brother Russ, the two enjoyed spending time together restoring vintage farm equipment.
Richard was a very kind and generous man, who even though he didn't see everyone he loved daily, he always kept up to date with the current events of their lives.
Richard is survived by his two sons Richard (Cindy) Furlong II, Franklin (Jenny) Furlong, his brother and best friend, Russell Furlong, daughter in-law Shirley Furlong, sister in-law Sandie Furlong, grandchildren Christina, Michelle, Cindy (Rick), Priscilla (Todd), Richie (Missy), Tabatha (Jerry), Carol (Keith), Barbie, Frankie (Bunnie), Eddy, Sharon, Laura, 29 Great grandchildren and 17 Great Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Caroline, his son Johnny, brothers Kenneth, and Danny, his sister Mabel Wilson, and sister in-laws Judy, Irene and Mary Lou, Brother in laws Neil and Glen, Daughter in law Edie and Great Great Grandson William Joseph.
Funeral Services will be held at The Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville, MI, at 12 Noon on Tuesday, March 12th, with Pastor Gregg Matson Sebewa 1st Baptist officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday from 11am- Noon at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville.
There will be a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the funeral service at the Nashville VFW.
Interment will take place following the funeral luncheon at Woodland Memorial Park, in Woodland, MI.
memorial contributions can be made to the Sebewa First Baptist Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net