James R Furlow

We regretfully announce the passing of James Ronald Furlow, more affectionately known as “Pops” to those of us who loved him so much. He was born in Quentin, Mississippi on October 30, 1942, to Robert and Cleo Furlow. He was their 3rd son. Bob and Paul (Buddy) were his older brothers, and he later would become an older brother to two sisters, Sue Furlow Janet’ and Margie Furlow Long, putting him right in the middle of a most loving and special family. Upon moving to Baton Rouge in the late 1940’s, the Furlow’s settled in North Baton Rouge where they formed friendships and relationships that would last a lifetime. 

He married his soulmate, Florence Ann Mulkey, on September 14th, 1963. She was the greatest gift God ever gave him and his greatest influence in his long prosperous life. Through this marriage, God gave them 3 boys. Ron Paul, Steve Everett, and Clay Devin. He loved them unconditionally and always served his family with an unrelenting selfless commitment that burned deep within him. He is survived by his wife, Flo, and his two sons, Ron and Steve. He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, his most treasured gifts. Britton Furlow Marvin (husband Chase), Victoria Ashley Furlow, Grant Furlow (wife Kayla), Drew Furlow, Ali Furlow Keating (husband Chase), Paige Furlow, Sam Furlow (wife Haley), Grace Furlow, and Ben Furlow. He also leaves behind 6 great grandchildren: Annaleigh Marvin, Noah Marvin, Cambri Marvin, Asher Furlow, Lyla Furlow, and Jax Keating. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Cleo Mullins Furlow, his older brother Bob Furlow, and his special youngest son, Clay Furlow (wife Kristy Furlow Green) He was extremely proud of his family, and he loved them all to the fullest. 

He served his country by joining the United States Air Force in April of 1960, and was stationed in Galena, Alaska. Following his Honorable Discharge in 1966, he worked as a warehouse coordinator at Wyandotte Chemical. In 1972, he became a process operator for Exxon Chemical. He worked for Exxon for over 30 years and retired in 2002. Upon retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his grandkids. He loved hunting in his favorite place on earth - Meadville, Mississippi, in Franklin County. The same county his parents were from and the place where he entered the world all those years ago. Because of his second-to-none work ethic, a few years into retirement he started driving transport cars for several dealerships in the Baton Rouge area. He loved being on the road driving to different destinations, delivering cars to customers and dealerships. No one outworked him, no one out served him, and he was always an overachiever and gracious provider to those he loved so much. 

He loved music! He enjoyed too many artists and genres to name, but if John Denver, Glen Campbell, or Merle Haggard ever came over the airwaves, he was surely going to listen. He loved his westerns, both Movies and television, with Gunsmoke and his hero, Matt Dillon, leading that group. He was an underrated chef, known for his fudge and famous Steamboat Potatoes. He had a passion for hunting and spending time in the hills of Mississippi with his 1st cousin and practically his 3rd brother, Clemon Mullins. Their bond was special, only their families made them as happy and content as being at Cool Springs in Franklin County, Mississippi. 

Last but not least, he loved Jesus. He was given a spirit of humility and service to all at an early age and exemplified what it meant to serve others his entire life. He was surely the sweetest man ever created. He was a member of Weller Ave Baptist Church in the early 70’s, Immanuel Baptist Church in the late 70’s through the 90’s, and then First New Testament Church until his passing. His friends and pastors at each church always held a special place in his heart, and he loved them all dearly. God had His hands on Pops throughout his life, and his obedience to what he felt God leading him to do was always evident to all who knew him. We thank our Lord for that Blessed Assurance that Pops is with Him now, at perfect peace with what God accomplished through him to so many people. 

A special thanks goes to his doctors, Bill Russell and Michael Castine III, for the excellent care and comfort they provided to Pops over his last few years. Both are special men to the entire Furlow family. Additional special thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge (Kristina Jones and Kasey Smith) for providing care and selfless service to Pops during his last months and weeks. We are forever grateful to everyone who cared for him during his final days. 

His memorial service will be held at First New Testament Church (3235 Aubin Lane, Baton Rouge, La) on Friday, February 14, 2025. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until service starting at 1:00 pm. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given that will be used by the family to honor Jim's life and memory. Use tab below to give a memorial gift.