Funk Heritage Center Gets $398,908 Endowment

Photo Credit: Funk Heritage Center’s Facebook page

Reinhardt University recently received funds in fulfillment of the wishes of Jim and Florrie Funk to further endow the Funk Heritage Center.

The Estate of Florrie Funk bestowed $398,908 for the benefit of the museum, which is located on Reinhardt’s campus in Waleska.

The museum is rich in Native American history throughout Cherokee County and north Georgia. It’s also a certified a National Park Service Trail of Tears interpretive center.

The funds are the difference between $2 million and gifts made by the Funks to Reinhardt during their lifetimes.

“The late Dr. Jim Funk, a loyal Reinhardt University trustee and prominent Atlanta physician and his wife Florrie supported Reinhardt for many years,” said JoEllen Wilson, vice president for advancement. “Besides helping establish the Funk Heritage Center for historic preservation, they provided scholarships for students who could only attend Reinhardt through financial assistance. Dr. Funk’s infectious energy and Mrs. Funk’s calm manner is missed by everyone at Reinhardt. We remain so grateful for all they did for Reinhardt.”

Florrie Funk grew up in Atlanta where she graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1936 and later attended Gulf Park College and Agnes Scott College.

She was queen of the first Atlanta Dogwood Festival in 1936, and in 1942, she married her love Forest James Funk, Jr. Together they had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She and her husband also welcomed and opened their home to students from all over the world, including students from Sweden, Brazil, France and Turkey, as well as to many local students who needed a temporary haven and home.

Florrie Funk was a founding member of Northside United Methodist Church. She was active on the boards of Breakthrough House, Literacy Action and Young Harris College. She loved spending time with her family at their home in Lakemont in north Georgia. ​