James "Frankie" Furr

JAMES FRANK “FRANKIE” FURR

May 3, 1940-Jan 30, 2022

Frankie Furr, age 81, went to his heavenly home on January 30- appropriately a Sunday for this man of faith. Frankie was the son of Howard and Ethel Furr and was a lifelong resident of Concord. He was a talented photographer during his working years with the Concord/Independent Tribune. Over his 42-year career he met and photographed many famous and interesting people including Dale Earnhardt, Jimmy Carter, Roy Rogers and both George Bushes. One of his favorite photographs that hung proudly in his house was an autographed picture of Minnesota Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew. He covered joyous occasions such as the return of a local national guard unit from Operation Desert Storm and tragedies like deadly house fires. He was well known throughout the Concord/Kannapolis area since he photographed so many students in a variety of settings during his lengthy career. After retirement, Frankie devoted himself to serving his church-Center United Methodist in Concord- in a variety of ways. He served on multiple committees, helped with the annual fund raisers, chauffeured those who needed rides to church, and delivered meals to shut-in members. Center recognized his dedication and service by awarding him Layman of the Year for 2019. When not serving at the church, Frankie was a regular patron of social events at the Cabarrus Senior Center where he was a willing and enthusiastic dance partner.

Frankie was one of those people who “never met a stranger.” He liked photography but he loved people. First and foremost was his wife of 53 years, Danella. If you belonged to Center Church, your birthday would never pass without a call from Frankie. Frankie was not a man of great means but like the Apostle Paul, he had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he had, something few people can say. All who knew him will miss him.

He was predeceased by his wife Danella, brother William “Sonny” Furr of Columbia, SC, sister Ann Furr Gillespie of Concord, and is survived by several cousins, nephews, and nieces. A memorial service to celebrate Frankie’s life will be held at Center UMC, 1119 Union St S, Concord, NC 28025, on Sunday, Feb. 13th at 3 pm, with viewing at 2 pm. After the service, his ashes will be interred next to his beloved wife in the Center columbarium, a project that was the direct result of Frankie’s efforts. Memorials can be sent to Center UMC at the above address.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Furr family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com