Ronald Fumio Furukawa, Major United States Air Force, Ret.

Ron was born in Sacramento CA to Tomosumi and Anna Furukawa. Sadly, during WWII, his family was incarcerated at Santa Anita Racetrack, then Jerome and Rohwer, Arkansas Internment Camps. From there they moved to Cleveland OH, with a short relocation to Beaufort, SC. He returned to Cleveland, graduating from John Marshall High School, president of his class. He received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Ohio State University.

He volunteered for the US Air Force, where he served as a Navigator, rising to the rank of Major. Ron flew transport planes and later F-4 Phantom jets during his USAF career which included tours of Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Germany. A decorated veteran of 20 years, he retired at Moody Air Base in Valdosta, GA. His medals include the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorius Service Medal and 8 other decorations. After retirement, he earned a Master’s of Business Administration from Valdosta State University, and entered civil service as a Financial Examiner for the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.

Ronald was happily married to Marian Sakuma, his wife of 56 years. They have three children, David (Kate, Atlanta GA), Michael (Tomoko, Fairfax VA), and Laura (Joe, San Diego CA), and two grandsons, Benjamin and William. His family was most important to him and he provided them with a loving and nurturing home. He was loved by his grandsons with whom he enjoyed playing board games. He was a member of the Japanese American Citizens League, the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, and enjoyed bowling and eating good food. He will be remembered for his patience, loyalty and laid back personality, and sadly missed by his whole family, including his beloved Boston Terrier, Bella.

Visitation will be at AS Turner and Sons Funeral Home, Decatur GA, on Friday, January 31 from 5-7pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1 at 11 am. Friends and family are welcome to gather for lunch immediately following the services in the reception room. In lieu of flowers, please remember the American Diabetes Association or your favorite charitable organization.