Kenneth Ray Furlong

Kenneth Ray Furlong (Ken), 67, of Hewitt, went to be with Jesus on July 27 2020 at 1300hrs. He passed in his home surrounded by his loving wife and family after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.  Visitation with the family will begin an hour prior to the service, at 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 1.  A memorial service will be 3:00 pm, Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Dr., Waco, Tx. officiated by Marie Nutall of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Bryan, Tx. Following the memorial there will be a celebration of life held at the Hewitt VFW Post 6008 Hall 725 Sun Valley Blvd. Hewitt, Tx. 76643 to honor his life. Wearing masks and social distancing will be required at the funeral home.

Ken was born on September 24, 1952 in Roswell, New Mexico, to Kenneth Arlee Furlong and Reba Patsy Miller. He and his family moved to West Texas shortly after his arrival to follow the oil field. It was there Ken and his siblings learned from their father what hard work was. This is something that stuck with Ken and he later instilled in his own children. As a young boy in West Texas Ken accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus into his heart. He was a spiritual man who loved the Lord, but never missed an opportunity to raise a little hell. In 1971 Ken graduated from Coahoma High School and left to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Ken served as an Air Traffic Controller in the 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW) as well as a recruiter in Dallas, Tx. area. It was during this time he welcomed the arrival of his first-born son, Shane. After Shane’s birth he decided to leave the Marine Corps and went to work for Carbon Black Plant in Big Spring Tx. While in Big Spring he welcomed his second son, Mike.

On April 5, 1982, during ladies night at Sidewinder Bar, using his good looks and charm, Ken was able to win over a young lady who would forever better him and his two sons. Fortunately for Mike and Shane, Marianne also had a daughter, Jaylyn. Jaylyn was Ken’s daughter from the first moment he met her, and the five created a bond that will never be broken. On October 4, 1982, Marianne decided to make an honest man out of Ken and the two were joined in marriage. This decision inevitably changed so many lives for the better.

In 2002, God wasn’t finished with Ken and Marianne and their ability to raise kids. With three grown children out of the house they embarked on a new journey that once again bettered his entire family and added another daughter, Trista and another son, Bubba. Trista and Bubba kept Ken young at heart, and no one will ever doubt the pride and joy he felt for them both. Ken finally had an athletic son, and once again had another beautiful daughter. He was at every ballgame or event to support his children and was the husband who never missed a moment to publicly show his affection for his wife no matter how bad it embarrassed his children. Family was everything to Ken, and he never missed an opportunity to show his affection for his children.

Ken left a legacy that will forever be remembered. His love for his wife, children, family and extended family was immeasurable. Ken was a father to five, and a Dad to many.

For 34 years Ken was employed by Wells Cargo and American Cargo Group. He started his employment with the company putting lights on the trailers in the yard while they were being built. His strong work ethic and unique people skills allowed him to work his way up in the company to become the Regional Sales Manager. It was here he met his lifelong friend and boss, Jeff Jones and wife Leslie, a friendship that turned into extended family. For the last year of his work life his assistant, Valerie, turned into another member of Ken’s family. Over the years he was not only able to help build up dealerships, but friendships that were cherished and are much appreciated by our family. Being a provider was important to Ken. This is undoubtedly what Ken did best. Ken not only provided material things, but most importantly he provided an undeniable love and strength that we will all continue to lean on. Our family would like to express our deep appreciation for the love, compassion and prayers that the management and employees of American Cargo Group have shown. Your love and compassion expressed towards our Mom and family could never be repaid.

Ken was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Arlee Furlong, Reba Patsy Miller (Mother), Ricky Craig Furlong (Brother), Jess (Papa) Phillips (father-in-law), Patricia (Nonie) Phillips (mother-in-law) and Tammy Nelson (sister-in-law).

Ken is survived by his loving wife of thirty-eight years and mother to his children, Marianne Phillips Furlong, his children Jaylyn Schumpert Vaughn (daughter) and husband Matt, Shane Furlong (son) and wife Nina, Michael Furlong (son) and wife Lindsay, Trista Furlong (daughter), and Bubba Furlong (son). Ken had 5 grandchildren who he was very proud of despite their Dads- Summer Furlong, Dylan Furlong, Colton Furlong, Hunter Furlong, Kerstin Vaughn and  4 “bonus” grandchildren- Caleb Jackson, Kenslee Konarik, Karlee Konarik, and Korbin Konarik, Lisa Zilly (sister) and her husband Jim, Jim Bob Coates (brother in law), Ralston Coates (nephew) and wife Kelli, Cassie (niece) and husband Blake Parson, Clay Furlong (nephew) and wife Lucy, Logan Furlong (nephew), Robert Furlong (nephew), Joe Phillips (brother-in-law) and wife Robyn, Courtney (niece) and husband Dustin Smith, Justin Phillips (nephew), Ava Phillips (niece) and Addison Phillips (nephew), along with many great nieces and nephews.

Ken was an avid sports and fitness enthusiast. Ken’s sons will remember his intense workouts, always leading by example, with his Marine Corps style of motivation and discipline. He enjoyed watching his kids participate in sports and later in life he was able to enjoy his grandchildren. Ken always let the officials in all sports know he was there. He had a special sense of humor that was passed on to his children. He loved to laugh, joke, and hide beer bottles from our Mom. There was never a mirror that he passed that he didn’t stop to take in God's good work. He showed his boys how to be good husbands and fathers, and his daughters how to stand on their own and take care of their brothers and families. He will forever be missed and deeply loved. The pain is only temporary, the pride is forever.

The family would like to give a sincere thank you to Compassus Hospice, specifically Jacque Harrris and Tammy Williams for their love and compassion towards our Dad and support given to the family.