William Ray “Fuzzy” Furlong of Nederland, Texas passed away May ­­­­7, 2012, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont.  He was born in Joplin, Missouri on May 9, 1926, to Thomas Joseph Furlong and Gwendolyn Ellis Furlong.  In 1961 William was transferred from the Dupont Powder Plant in Carl Junction, Missouri to E.I. Dupont in Nederland and retired from there after thirty-eight years of employment.  

He joined the United States Navy on December 9, 1944, and received an honorable discharge on March 7, 1946.   William proudly served his country during World War II. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Nederland.  “Fuzzy” was proud to be a Master Mason and served several masonic bodies faithfully since 1983.  He served as Worshipful Master of Nederland Masonic Lodge No.1368 A.F. & A.M. in 1994-1995, and was accorded the honor of the Golden Trowel award.  William was also the first member of Nederland Lodge to receive an Endowed Membership.   He was a member of Port Neches Royal Arch Chapter No. 436, Port Neches Royal and Select Masters No. 413, Port Arthur Commandery No. 73, Valley of Galveston Scottish Rite Bodies as a 32 Degree, Galveston El Mina Shrine, 100 Million Dollar Club, Monarch of Cashan Grotto in 2000 in Beaumont, and Past Worthy Patron of Nederland No. 1079 in 1985-1986.   “Fuzzy” served as President of the Nem Loof Clown Unit in 1992, Mid-Jefferson County Shrine Club in 1989, and Silsbee Shrine Club in 2005. He was also a member of American Legion Post No. 493. “Fuzzy’s gentle spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew him”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Joseph Furlong and Gwendolyn Ellis Furlong Paine; brother, Lewis Henry Furlong; and sister, Ola Dean Saddler.  

Survived by his loving wife, Virginia Furlong of Nederland; daughter, Helen Moity of Nederland; and stepson, Thomas Gordon Smith and his wife, Gwen,  Alma of Nebraska; granddaughters,  Renee Moity of Port Arthur, Shelly Moity of Nederland, Lacey Smith and Shanna Smith, both of  Alma, Nebraska; grandsons,  James Moity of Nederland, Phillip and Tommy Smith, both of Alma, Nebraska; great-grandchildren, Troy Reese of Port Arthur, Alan Floria, Kelsi Moity, Erec Moity, Katelin Moity, all of  Nederland, Piper, Ethan, Haven, Chase, Jayden, Joplin, Samantha, Hunter, Meadow, Jackie, Melaine, and  Emma, all of Alma, Nebraska; and a very special friend, Graham Dickson of Corsicana, Texas.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 104 North 13th Street, Nederland.  His funeral service will be Thursday, May 10, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, Nederland, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Reverend Malcolm Monroe will be officiating.  Military honors and Masonic graveside service to be held by Nederland Masonic Lodge No. 1368 A.F & A.M.

The family wishes to thank the Staff of Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont, Texas, for their kindness and loving care of “Fuzzy” during his stay.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice House, 2450 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas.77713 or the El Mina Transportation Fund, 1616 Tremont, Galveston, Texas. 77550-4504