Born on October 17, 1938, in Kaufman County, Texas, Herman Furlough, Jr., was the second of 8 children, born to Hurman, Sr. and Dorothy Furlough. Herman attended all levels of his elementary and secondary education and graduated from W.H. Burnett High. Herman graduated from W.H. Burnett High School in 1957.
Encouraged by his family, and influenced by his teachers, he immediately matriculated at Wylie College, a Historically Black United Methodist College located in Marshall, Texas. Consummate educator and student, he subsequently earned a master’s degree in education in 1972 from then, East Texas State University, now, Texas A&M Commerce. He also earned certificates for mid-management administration as well as a certificate and professional license for superintendents.
From 1961 to 1962, Mr. Furlough served as the chemistry and biology teacher at W.H. Burnett High School. He was still a student at Wylie College, but upon request from Mr. Jones, taught under special authorization for that year. This was to be the beginning of an illustrious career in education with the Terrell Independent School District.
He returned to Wylie College in the fall of 1962, completed his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and obtained his teacher certification in May 1963. The Terrell native then returned to Burnett High School, where he again taught chemistry and biology and coached boys basketball, football, and track.
In 1966, Terrell Independent School District began the integration process with students who voluntarily transferred to Terrell High. Mr. Furlough was among a few teachers from Burnett who were asked to teach classes at Terrell High, in preparation for a fully integrated school district beginning with the 1968-1969 school year.
From 1961 to 1995, Mr. Furlough held the following positions with Terrell Independent School District:
1961 - 1962, Chemistry Teacher and Biology Teacher
1963 - 1974, Chemistry Teacher, Biology Teacher, Assistant Football Coach, Boys’ basketball Coach
1974 - 1976, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach
1978 - 1983, Terrell High School Counselor
1983 - 1985, John F. Kennedy Elementary Principal and HeadStart Program Director
1985 - 1995, Terrell High School Principal
He led an active life in support of his community through memberships in numerous city, county, state, and national boards. He also served on boards and/or as a volunteer with the following professional, religious, and academic organizations:
Texas State Teachers Association
Professional Counselors Association
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Texas Association of Secondary School Principals
Warren Chapel United Methodist Church
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity
Terrell City Council Member from 1969 to 1974
Appointed by Governor Mark White to a six-year term on the Board of Regents of East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce)
In addition, some of his most cherished awards received were the key to the city of Terrell—the first to receive this honor, the Rotary Club Citizen of the Year Award, and co-recipient of the First Trail Blazer Award. He has been honored with the naming of the Herman Furlough, Jr Invitational Basketball Tournament, the Furlough/Willie Scholarship Foundation, and most notably the Herman Furlough, Jr. Middle School.
Mr. Furlough met his wife of 44 years, Gwendolyn Bircher Furlough, while they were both attending Wylie College. Mrs. Furlough also taught in the Terrell Independent School District for over 30 years. Together they are the proud parents of five children, all of whom are Terrell High School graduates. Felicia, Antoinette (husband Tony), Tiffani (husband Leon), Forrest (wife Kendra) and Steven (wife Amelia). His family legacy continues through his grandchildren, Tiana, Kirsten, Jordan, Justin, Jaren, Dorian, Kamden, Kaeden, Lauren, Aniston, and Carter.
To his family and close friends, he was known to be an avid basketball player, barbecue specialist, and great storyteller. He loved and celebrated his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed being the unofficial all-occasion event photographer.
Many of his students remember him as an intelligent man whose professional career was filled with positively impacting every student with which he came in contact. Mr. Furlough established a legacy of excellence for educating students from all walks of life, displayed a passion for humanity, and a love for learning over his thirty-three-year career in education.
One of his most used quotes was, "never miss a teachable moment." He served his family, his community and TISD with honor and pride.
