Michael Anthony Furlow

Michael Anthony (Mike) Furlow passed away peacefully with his wife of 52 years, friends, and family by his side in Hagerstown, Maryland on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Mike was born on October 11, 1948 in Washington, DC to Lester and Eileen Furlow. Mike grew up in Kensington Maryland with his five siblings, where he could be found outside with his brothers, blowing up the ceiling with a science experiment, or reading a book. Mike developed a love for chemistry, astronomy, and fossils visiting western Maryland with his family. After his graduation from Albert Einstein High School in 1968, Mike furthered his education at the University of Maryland before beginning his career with Amtrak that spanned more than 30 years.

Though Mike loved the railroad, he was best known for his love of the Lord and his family. He actively (though sleepily “Will somebody wake Mike up”) supported the churches in his community as a trustee, choir member, and boys group leader. In Ellicott City he joyfully served at Bethany Lane Baptist, leaving a lasting contribution of a lovingly crafted cross that stood over so many celebrations. Later Mike served at Stoners Grove Baptist Church in Southmont,NC as a deacon and through his passion for praise music, until he and Emily moved back to Maryland in 2020.

Mike could always be found with his children on the weekends at church, Brookeside Gardens, or “going for a drive” so Emily could sleep before work. The only thing that may have been more evident than the love he had for his children, was that for his grandchildren. Whether captaining the boat out on the lake, or snuggled on his lap, he loved his grandchildren with endless patience and understanding.

Michael is survived by his wife Emily Jean (Mock) Furlow; his children Tracy Brintle and husband Billy, Stephen Furlow, Kathleen Reightler, Daniel Furlow and wife Jenny; his grandchildren Brandon Reightler, River Furlow, Aspen Furlow, Ivy Furlow, Sean Reightler, Ethan Reightler, Kayla Brintle, Lillian Reightler, and Chase Furlow; siblings Patrick Furlow and wife Helen, Larry Furlow and wife Arlysse, Ann Roberts and husband Jim and sister-in-law Caroline Furlow; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is welcomed in Heaven by his mother Eileen Furlow, father Lester Furlow, his brother Thomas Furlow and wife Theresa, and brother Joseph Furlow.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael’s life at the viewing on: Monday, December 30th from 11 am -1 pm at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 3346 Gapland Rd., Rohrersville, MD 21779 followed by a Memorial Service at 1 pm. The graveside service will be held at:

Burkittsville Union Cemetery 5 E. Cemetery Dr., Burkittsville, MD 21718 followed by refreshments and remembrance at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice of Washington County.