He was born in St. James, MO, April 27, 1936 the son of William and Ella Furling. His parents, as well as three sisters, Jane, Charlotte, and Neomi preceded him in death.
Bill married Delores Frey on May 21, 1955 and she survives. He is also survived by his son, William “Trey” (wife Cindy) Furling III, three granddaughters; Alyssa, Chelsea, and Tracey, a great grandson, William Cooper Furling, and a sister, Emelia Snelson, of Rolla, MO. He has several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Buck proudly served in the United States Air Force, Division of Aircraft Control and Warning during the Korean War. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Following his military service, he worked as an Air Traffic Controller in Houston, TX, Indianapolis, and Muncie IN., and then retired from Capital Airport, Springfield, IL after 25 years of service.
Bill had a passion for land developing, home building, and real estate. He founded Bill Furling Realtors in 1980 and his son continues the business today. Buck served as president of the Springfield Board of Realtors, (now the Capital Area Association of Realtors) in 1991 and was named Realtor of the Year in 1993. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of St. Paul’s Lodge #500 AF&AM, achieving 32nd degree, a member of the Ansar Shrine, and the Clown Unit.
A masonic service will be conducted by St. Paul’s Lodge #500 AF&AM at 11:00 am Friday, April 25, 2014 at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, with a memorial gathering following there until time of a memorial service at 12:30 pm. Dr. Bob Swickard will officiate. Inurnment will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honor’s provided by the United States Air Force and the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
In Lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospital for Children 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63131-3597
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
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