John Holland Furry age 93 of Webb City, Missouri passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Monday, June 18, 2018. He was welcomed to Heaven by his beloved wife of 65 years, Cherry Ruth and his adored grandson, Blaine Jacob, “B.J.”Scofield.
John was born February 14, 1925 in Carterville, Missouri the son of George H. Furry and Fay C. Caughenbaugh. He was a 1943 Carterville High School graduate where he excelled in football and basketball. At age 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served his country as a torpedo man 3rd class during WWII on the destroyer the U.S. Cony. He fought in several South Pacific naval battles, including the great Battle of Leyte Gulf, earning seven battle stars and traveling through the Panama Canal three times. Upon returning from war John attended Joplin Business College.
On June 27, 1947, John married the love of his life, Cherry Ruth Lewellyn, in Booneville, Missouri. John and Cherry raised their family in Carterville where he was active in community affairs. He served on the Carterville City Council and the Carterville Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of Carterville United Methodist Church and Carterville American Legion. He has been a member of the Order of the Masonic Hall, Webb City Lodge #512 for over 50 years. John was employed by DuPont Powder Company near Carl Junction from 1950 till its closing in the 1960’s. In addition he worked for the Missouri State Highway Department and Eagle Picher in Joplin. John became a Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector for the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1962. Upon retirement in 1988 he was a supervisor for the portable scale truck, often working in the Kansas City and Bootheel area. John, affectionately known as GRAMPY was a kind, well liked, humorous man. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was the “godfather” of the family; the one everyone went to for guidance, advice, and decision making. In his younger days John loved hunting and fishing. He attended all of his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sports events. John enjoyed Roaring River State Park, his place at Grand Lake, and family vacations to Gulf Shores, Alabama. His three schnauzers, Precious, Leisha, and Dusty were his little buddies.
Survivors include his daughters, Kathy Perkins of Joplin, Jonnie Sue Scofield and husband Howard of Carthage, Amy Brown of Webb City, and Leslie Arft and husband Ron of Webb City; grandchildren, Holly McGrath, Mike Perkins, Alex Scofield, Frank Brown, Lily Sweeten, Clay Arft, and Vicki Jurica; and 16 great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson, infant son, Michael Jay, brother, George, and sons-in-law, Dick Perkins and Mack Brown.
Funeral services will be held at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 1:00 PM. with Pastor Stan Crane officiating. The family will be present for a visitation on Thursday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Joplin Humane Society in his memory.
Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.
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