Beau Bearden/The Ardmoreite
The Lone Grove High School community suffered a heartbreaking loss as softball coach Dennis Furr passed away Friday morning surrounded by his sons, family and friends.
Furr led the Lady Horns to Class 4A State Championships in 2021 and 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023.
Many have shared how much he will be missed, including recent graduate Lexi Meadows.
“Two state titles later, lots of life lessons were taught, lots of laughs, lots and lots of tears, but never a dull moment. One of the best coaches to ever coach the game of softball and the game of life,” Meadows wrote on Facebook. “He was not only a coach, but a mentor and someone I considered family. It was a privilege to be coached by him.
“… He was the type of coach who didn’t hand out participation awards, but made you earn it. He (set) the bar extremely high, but always pushed for you to reach it. He knew the secret to winning, and did whatever it took to do so. I will always be thankful for the time spent and memories made. Will always love and miss you.”
Lone Grove assistant softball coach Raley Long also shared heartfelt words on Facebook.
“Woke up to the news this morning that one of the most influential and supportive people in my life passed away. Dennis Furr was my college softball coach, my co-worker and my friend. He always knew how to make me laugh, to get on my nerves, and to just make any environment he is in interesting. I will miss him screaming “LONGFELLOW!!!” across the science hallway every day at the high school this year.
“Coach Furr has been a part of my life for the past nine years and that just wasn’t long enough. I will miss him so much and Lone Grove High School will not be the same without him. Please pray for the school, his softball girls, his assistant coaches, his co-workers, and most importantly, his two boys. His boys were always traveling with us at Cameron and I’ve watched them grow up into lovely young men and even had one as a student last year. They are good kids and my heart is hearting so bad for them. See you again one day Furrball.”
