Furrows are named Appalachian heroes
Ann and Sam Furrow
Lamar Alexander, the former Tennessee governor and U.S. senator, will present the award during the event, which includes a dinner and the awards presentation afterward.
The event, hosted by John Tolsma, will begin at 7 p.m. in Heritage Hall at the Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway.
A limited number of tickets is available on the website, museumofappalachia.org for $256 each (including a $6 service charge).
Supported by Gary and Sandy Wade with Jenny and Randy Boyd, Heroes of Southern Appalachia recognizes individuals of Southern Appalachian heritage who exemplify perseverance, fortitude, self-reliance and service, the museum said.
“Sam and Ann Furrow built their lives through hard work, self-reliance, and a genuine commitment to others,” said Gary Wade, chairman of the museum’s Board of Directors.
“Their success was earned, and their generosity has always been intentional,” he said. “They represent exactly the kind of character and service the Heroes of Southern Appalachia award was created to recognize.”
Sam Furrow, a Roane County native, is recognized as one of East Tennessee’s most-influential business and civic leaders, the museum said.
He founded and built Furrow Auction Company and went on to establish and lead business ventures in automotive dealerships, heavy equipment, and real estate development throughout the region.
In addition to his business success, Furrow has held senior leadership roles with major community institutions, including serving as chair of the board of the United Way of Greater Knoxville and chair of the board of Zoo Knoxville, as well as president of the Tennessee Auctioneers Association and president of the Great Smoky Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
He also played a key role in guiding the Museum of Appalachia’s transition to nonprofit status in 2003, strengthening the museum’s long-term sustainability, and ensuring its continued role as a public steward of Southern Appalachian history and culture, the museum said.
Ann Furrow, a Maryville native, is recognized for a series of historic firsts at the University of Tennessee and for her lasting impact on women’s athletics and higher education, according to the museum.
She became UT’s first female Vol golfer. She was also the only woman to compete on a men’s varsity athletic team, and the first woman to receive an athletic scholarship at UT.
Ann Furrow later became the first woman and youngest person appointed to the university’s Board of Trustees, where she served 18 years, including as vice chair and as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.
As an amateur golfer, she achieved national distinction, at one time ranking as the No. 1 female golfer, and among the Top 10 golfers overall in the United States. She was also involved in the early development of the Lady Vols golf program alongside university leadership.
In recognition of her contributions to the university, a main thoroughfare in Sorority Village was named in her honor, the museum noted.
Furrow has been inducted into the Tennessee, Greater Knoxville, and Blount County Sports Halls of Fame.
Beyond the university, she has served in leadership and advisory roles with several civic, educational, and community organizations, including Covenant Health, Fort Sanders Foundation, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Spiritual Heritage Knoxville.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Museum of Appalachia, a 501(c)3 organization.
