Who was born March 7, 1932, died June 11, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents George Malcolm Furnald and Helen Terwilliger Furnald. Don grew up in Queens, New York, where he played at Central Park and was a New York Giants fan. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was in Korea during the time of heaviest conflict. He graduated from Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y.
Don was a chef and restauranteur who had restaurants in New York and Highlands N.C. Don was taught to cook by Telly Savalas’ stepfather at the Court Hotel in Queens, N.Y. Don was a New York Yankee who came south in the late 1970’s and remained here for the rest of his life. This gourmet cook learned to love grits, country ham, turnip greens and sweet iced tea.
Don was multi-talented. In additional to his cooking skills, he was an avid gardener and a talented artist. He was a member of the VFW and of The Old South Historical Society and an avid Auburn Fan. Of all his accomplishments, Don was most proud of his 37 years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. Don’s unlimited cheer and good humor were his defining traits.
Don was a life long Methodist and was on an active member of Woodland United Methodist Church in Pike Road. He was always willing to share his cooking talents in the church kitchen.
Don had no children of his own but he served as a father figure to three generations of step children, Eric Wood Ferguson, Stuart Malcomb Ferguson, Kearney Dee Hutsler (Paula), Benjamin Mabson Hutsler, Molly Ann Hutsler, and Clayton Stuckey Hutsler (Martha), 5 step grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth Mabson Furnald, step children, and his sister Jane Furnald Oliver of South Hampton, N.Y. and niece and nephews Pamela Oliver Currari (Paul), Donald Oliver (Robin), and Clifford Oliver.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 16, at 2:00 pm at Leake Memorial Chapel. Family will receive visitors at 1:00. Pall Bearers are Dee Hutsler, Ben Hutsler, Lee Hutsler, Taylor Hutsler, Patrick Hutsler, and Wells Hutsler. Minister Tim Meadows will preside over the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gift may be sent to Woodland United Methodist Church, 4428 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 OR Stegall Seminary Foundation, PO Box 241661, Montgomery, AL 36124-1661.
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