George Edward Furnival, Jr.

George Edward Furnival died at Lake Placid, Florida February 18, 2014. George was born in Munhall, Pennsylvania October 25, 1929, the son of George Furnival and Catherine (Schweinberg) Furnival. George was graduated from Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio and then continued his education at Drew Theological Seminary. He was ordained and served United Methodist Churches in New Jersey, New York and Illinois. He continued his studies by completing a graduate degree from Pacific School of Religion with a specialization in addictions treatment. He spent many years directing addiction and mental health treatment programs in Florida. He worked to get certification for addiction professionals and became the first person to be certified in Florida. He was active until the end with his churches-People's United Methodist Church, South Thomaston, Maine and Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Sebring, Florida. He retired to spend part of his time in Maine and part in Florida. He was a longtime volunteer at Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine. He loved to write and had several published novels. He is survived by his wife Patricia, a son Charles, a daughter Lyn Shimizu, a daughter-in-law Silvia Castellanos and grandchildren Che' Alejandro and Liana Acela. He was predeceased by son George III. A celebration of his life will be held in Maine later in the spring at the convenience of the family. The family requests memorial gifts be given to one of the churches mentioned above. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home - Avon Park www.stephensonnelsonfh.com