Pastor Furman Isaiah Dills

Pastor Furman Isaiah Dills, 88, of Candler went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 16, 2024. Furman passed away peacefully at his home. Born and raised in the Rainbow Springs Community of Macon County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late George Milton Dills Sr. and Vacila Fansler Dills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Ernest Jerry Dills, Elman Dean Dills, George Milton Dills Jr., & Jay Coleman Dills. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Maxine Dills Brown and Marcella Dills Warren.

Furman spent many of his early days in Rainbow Springs on the Nantahala River with his grandparents, Emma Guffey Dills and Asa Merida Dills. It was there he learned to love being outdoors, trout fishing, and enjoying God’s creation. Shortly after his early childhood years, his family moved to Candler, North Carolina where he would live the rest of his life. 

In the 1950s, Furman was drafted into the United States Army and became a Radio Operator specializing in Morse Code. He was stationed for much of his time in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. He was also stationed for a time on the Czech border for a special assignment known as “Operation Winter Shield.” Furman also had the rare distinction of being drafted twice to serve his country. 

When he returned from his military service, Furman married his precious wife of 62 years, Joyce Trull Dills. They had one daughter, Kim. After starting his family, Furman received the greatest gift of his lifetime by accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Shortly after surrendering his life to Christ, Furman received the call to preach the Gospel. For over 50 years, Furman pastored numerous churches in Buncombe and Haywood counties. Armed with a deep understanding of scripture and a passion for guiding others towards Jesus, he served with unwavering determination as the spiritual anchor for his family and his flock. He is remembered as a beloved shepherd who truly believed that he must decrease, so that Christ could increase. His life preached this every day. Furman also led many revivals, held several interim pastorships, and served as a mentor to countless young preachers. Through his ministry he helped lead countless souls to Christ. He ended his time as a pastor at Burgin’s Chapel in Black Mountain, North Carolina. 

Furman is survived by his wife, Joyce, and daughter, Kim. Furman is also survived by two grandsons Matt (Sarah) and Seth (Savannah). In addition, Furman is survived by a brother, Steve (Freida), and two sisters Evelyn (Steve), Jean (Joseph).

Furman spent his life loving his family. Always beside his wife, they spent countless hours together doing one of their favorite things: fly fishing. He was a dedicated father to his daughter, who looked up to her “daddy.” He was a loving grandfather to his two grandsons, teaching them how to be Godly men. His family meant the world to Furman, and he to them.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Beaverdam Freewill Baptist Church in Candler, NC, with Pastor Roy Kilby officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at the cemetery of Beaverdam Freewill Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Matt Dills, Seth Rhinehart, Larry Trull, Lynn Cagle, Lane Cagle, and Jim Hewitt. 

The family would like to thank Four Seasons Hospice and all of the other caregivers who assisted Furman and his family.

The care of Pastor Dills has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.