Golf fellowship founder Jack Gray passes the torch to Billy Furlong

BY Aprile McKinnon

After founding the Men’s Golf Fellowship of Canyon Lake 14 years ago, Jack Gray is stepping down as its leader and handing over the group’s leadership to fellow golfer and committed Christian, Billy Furlong. He said he hopes turning the group over to Billy will keep the fellowship growing and bring in some new and younger members to add to the group.

Meanwhile, the golf fellowship met last week and created a tribute to the man who started the Christian-based golf fellowship.

A member spoke of how Jack was instrumental in leading him back to his faith and that Jack was an encouragement to him and his family.

Another member talked about how Jack has “old school” ways, but is always accepting of others.

“I see a resemblance between Apostle Paul and my friend Jack,” Jerry Swift said as he recited 2nd Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the good faith.”

Jerry Swift, Billy Furlong, Jack Gray, and Fred Hemborg share a moment after Jack stepped down as the leader of the Golf Fellowship of Canyon Lake last week. The group paid tribute to its founder and named Billy its new group leader. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Jack said he had a divine calling to start a men‘s group that would meet for breakfast, share a time of prayer and grow in their faith together, while enjoying the great game of golf at the Canyon Lake Country Club.

“God indicated I needed to put something together to share my testimony, put Jesus first, and be faithful,” Jack said. “So Alice and I did.”

Jack and Alice have been married for 67 years. Jack is a father of four, grandfather of eight, great grandfather of 11 and great-great grandfather of two.

In addition to the local golf fellowship, Jack has served on countless boards and clubs including The Rotary Club, Christian Business Mens Networking group, Director of Orange National Bank, Board Director and Founder of California City Bank, and the President of Medical Group Western Section.

He was Citizen of the Year in 1996 for the City of Orange. Jack served as a Church Elder, Deacon and Church Treasurer at his church.

The group meets once a month and is open to anyone in the community who wishes to be around other men who have the desire to live their life with the purpose of serving God and others.

For more information on the Men’s Golf Fellowship of Canyon Lake, email Billy, the group’s new leader, at billyfurlong5@gmail.com.