No one can remember just how Marie Futrell got her nickname, but “Smokey” was the only name to which she answered. For over 30 years, Mrs. Futrell served at the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department.
She did everything the men did–and more.
Mrs. Futrell, of Hampstead, died Aug. 14, 2015, at the age of 70.
When she wasn’t helping fight fires, Mrs. Futrell was making sure the firemen were well taken care of, according to former Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department Chief Lynn Lanier. Whether she made it herself or bought it on the way to the scene, Chief Lanier said Mrs. Futrell could always be counted on to feed the men.
“She wanted to help the community any way she could,” Chief Lanier said.
She was the mother of the fire department, Chief Lanier said, making sure all of her fellow volunteers were hydrated and full–and it wasn’t just on the scene.
Another former Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department chief, Jerry Mccaskill, said if there was a fundraiser happening for the department, Mrs. Futrell could be counted on to bring homemade barbecue and coleslaw. But, since that food can be a little messy, Chief Mccaskill said she’d bring the men hot dogs and hamburgers–their favorites–along with plenty of ice-cold water to keep them going while fighting a fire.
“Any time you have firemen and food, everyone is appreciative,” Chief Lanier said, laughing.
Smokey was born on Dec. 7, 1944, in Goldsboro, daughter of the late Beulah Mitchell Mozingo and John David Mozingo. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kerry Leigh Futrell and brother, Billy Strickland.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Joseph Futrell; daughter, Kelly Leigh Jacobson (Randy Jacobson), of Hampstead; grandchildren, Kerry Faith Kennedy, Casey Lane Jacobson (Cameron Spearman) and Cody Alan Jacobson, all of Hampstead; and siblings, Peggy Ivey, Richard Mozingo (Ginger), Frances Kestner, Buster Mozingo (Dee), Bobby Mozingo and Fay Gibbs (Harry).
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at Hampstead Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Joey Canady and Pastor Bobby Mowery, with interment at Wilmington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or Hampstead Baptist Church.
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Amanda Thames is the obituary writer for Port City Daily. Reach her at 910-772-6319 or obits@portcitydaily.com.
