Robert Nelson Furr, a devoted family man, skilled craftsman, and proud veteran, was a lifelong resident of Hampton, Virginia. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and love for the outdoors, Robert built a lasting legacy through his business and the relationships he cherished.
Early Life and Military Service
Robert was born on January 7, 1947, in Newport News, Virginia, to Nelson Whitfield Furr and Dorothy Clell Hales Furr. He is the second of three children, his sister Brenda Clell Furr is the oldest and Jerry Wayne Furr is the youngest. He grew up in Hampton and was a proud graduate of Hampton High in 1965.
Following his high school graduation, Robert honorably served his country, spending three years in the United States Army. Two of those years were stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, a place that would hold special significance throughout his life. It was in Anchorage that he met Sharon, who would become his beloved wife and best friend for 52 years. They married around 1968, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
Upon returning to Hampton after his military service, Robert quickly found his passion. In 1969, he began employment at a local Hampton cabinet shop, immersing himself in the art of custom woodwork. This initial experience ignited an entrepreneurial spark.
Around 1975, Robert had already established a full woodworking shop setup in his garage, where he dedicated his evenings and weekends to designing and building custom woodworking jobs on the side. His talent and growing reputation laid the groundwork for a significant leap.
In 1980, Robert officially established Robert Furr Custom Cabinets, purchasing the building on West Pembroke Avenue in Hampton where the business still operates today. As the company grew, the shop underwent a major expansion in the mid-1990s, doubling its size to a total of 6,000 square feet of workspace. From its inception, the family-run business forged strong working relationships with some of the region's premier luxury home builders, generating the bulk of its custom cabinet work. Through these collaborations, Robert Furr Cabinets has crafted custom work for some of the finest neighborhoods in the region and beyond, including York County, Williamsburg, James City County, Newport News, Midlothian, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and even in Florida.
Robert retired from the day-to-day operations in 2007, notably after completing the kitchen cabinets for his daughter Tonya. The tradition of "custom cabinet building" continues under the skilled hands of his son, Robert Furr Jr., who, along with Sharon, proudly runs the successful family business.
Family Life and Community
Robert and Sharon were blessed with two children: daughter Tonya Furr La Tona (married to Brian) and son Robert Furr Jr. (married to Laura).
He is a loving grandfather to six grandchildren: Aaron La Tona Jr., Benjamin Furr, Hailey Potts (married to Chris), Bryan, Amaya, and Mateo, and a great-grandfather to baby Augustus.
His brother Jerry died Feb. 1, 2015, in Newport News, Virginia.
Beyond his family and work, Robert was an active member of the Hampton Elk's Lodge for 18 years, where he enjoyed playing cards. He had a deep passion for fishing, finding immense joy in trips to the Russian River in Alaska, where he fished with his family for many years, and to the Florida Keys, where he and Sharon shared many memorable fishing excursions.
Passing and Final Wishes
After several years of declining health, Robert Nelson Furr passed away peacefully at home in Hampton, Virginia, on December 24, 2020, at the age of 73.
Per his wishes, no formal services were held. Robert's final request was for his remains to be spread in two places close to his heart: the Russian River in Alaska, a cherished fishing spot with his family, and the Florida Keys, a location of many happy fishing trips with Sharon. Robert will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, loving children, grandchildren, great-grandson, sister, sister-in-law, and many friends and extended family.