My Great Uncle Harlan passed away this past Friday night.  He died in bed at the home he built.  I think it was exactly where he wanted to be.

I was looking for pictures of him and his wife Mertie and could not find the right album so let me tell you how I remember them:  Uncle Harlan was always working and he smelled of sun and a bit of sweat and tools.  He never seemed comfortable when he was still and was always working on something, usually the house. After the last hurricane he was back up on the roof working away and making repairs at 90.  I can't imagine him as old and infirm, but I can't imagine him young either as he was always weathered and creased in every photo and every memory.

Aunt Mertie had a southern accent you never hear anymore.  It was this long, slow drawl that could put three syllables into my name, John.  When she died I was crushed to realised I would never hear that sound again.  She had dark, curly hair and always wore these comfortable, flowered house-dresses and managed to be tall and ladylike while still always looking slightly slouched - no, slouched isn't the write word.  When she sat she seemed to drape herself across the chair, lounging on even a straight-backed kitchen chair like it was an elegant divan.  She managed the same pose while standing I don't know how she did it.

From the Obituary:

Harlan Eugene Furry, 92, of Beaumont, Texas passed away Friday, February 4, 2011 at his residence. He was born March 23, 1918 in Beaumont to Harley and Lucy Furry.
Harlan earned his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Texas A&M. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He retired from the Texas Highway Department after 42 years of service; he worked as a District Design Engineer in the Beaumont office. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mertie Furry. He is survived by sons, Gene Furry and wife, Laura; Gerald Furry, Chuck Furry; sister, Jo Williamson; grandchildren, Holly Sherman, Richard Furry, Russ Furry; great grandchildren, Maddie and Emma. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Visitation will take place Monday, February 7, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.