Vernon C. Furney, 83, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family on November 29, 2025.
Son of Lorene (Hart) and Cyrus Furney, he was born into a large family of eight children on May 21, 1942, in Pavo, Georgia. He married the love of his life, Cynthia Cunningham, 61 years ago in Rapid City, South Dakota and together they raised two children: Christopher Furney, and Nichole Furney Gaines. He was blessed with a Son-in-law, Todd Gaines, who was also his best friend and three lovely grandchildren that filled him with love and pride; Emerson Gaines, Sutton Gaines, and McKenna Gaines. Family was everything to him. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandpa.
He came to Illinois in 1967 and was hired at Chrysler Corporation Belvidere Assembly Plant, where he spent thirty years of dedicated service. He has been retired for the past thirty years, fulfilling a desire to be retired for as many years as he worked at Chrysler!
Vernon was never satisfied with sitting still. In addition to his work at Chrysler, he was an avid mechanic and spent many nights tinkering on old cars. He also owned many properties, securing himself a great side business in real estate. He was a genuine "Mr. Fix-It," and loved sharing that knowledge with others. He was a kind and patient soul that would teach his skills to anyone wanting to learn.
Throughout his life, Vern had a passion for adventure and travel. With his wife and family, he traveled to 48 States throughout our country, as well as several vacations to Ireland, England, and China. He loved his journeys, exploring historical sites, and meeting interesting people. He was a friend to all and an amazing storyteller!
Vernon was a devoted Catholic and sixty-year member of St James Church in Rockford, Illinois where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher. He volunteered regularly at the Cornucopia Food Pantry in Rockford, Illinois.
He is survived by his loving wife Cynthia Furney of Roscoe, IL, their daughter Nichole (Todd) Gaines of Belvidere; Three grandchildren; Emerson, Sutton, and McKenna Gaines; sisters, Jan Acompore and Mavis (Gerald) Folsom of Florida; brother, Gerald Furney of Florida; as well as many special brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded to heaven by his son, Christopher Furney; mother, Lorene (Hart) Furney; father, Cyrus Furney; brothers, Charles Furney and Gilbert Furney; sisters, Jeanette Veglia and Melba Deas.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic and OSF that participated in his care and to Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care. We also want to thank all those who offered support through calls, cards, messages, visits, and prayers.
While the loss of Vernon to our family has been great, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master storyteller, Mr. Fix-It and Jack of all trades. There was so much more to him than just husband, father, or grandpa, though to us, that was his greatest role. He was also a friend, a co-worker, stand-in paternal figure to many, a handyman, tool man, mechanic, and the list goes on. We invite you to share pictures or memories. It was his wish that we laugh, reminisce, tell stories, and smile together during this time.
Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornucopia Food Pantry - 402 Market St - Rockford, IL 61107 or St James Catholic Church - 428 N Second St - Rockford, IL 61107. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family. Share memories at www.graceFH.com .