Mr. Hurst was born Wednesday, October 26, 1932, in Mitchell County, Meigs, GA, son of the late Lawrence Lesley Hurst and Ada Josephine Loyd. He was a veteran in the United States Army with 26 years of service. Sergeant Hurst served five overseas tours, including the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War.He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time in his beloved and bountiful garden.

 

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Leland Earl Mitchell, Helen Hurst Martin, Mabel Hurst Bedwell,Maltice Hurst Townsend, Mevin Joseph Hurst, Lorene Hurst Keaton, Hollys Lesley Hurst, Quinell Hurst Ksionzek, and Delphine Hurst Nixon.

 

Survivors include his wife, Helen Harmon Blackwell Hurst of West Point, GA, his brothers, Homer Hurst (Barbara) of Columbus, GA and Vernon Hurst (Doris) of Douglas, GA, his children, Mary Catherine Thomas and Anita Lynn Gober of Montgomery, AL, Noel Dean Hurst of Panama City Beach, FL, and Sara Beth Hurst Blanton (Tracy) of Columbus, GA, step-sons, Charles G. Blackwell and Madison G. Blackwell of West Point, GA, James F. “Buddie” Blackwell (Cheryl) of Albany, GA and H. David Blackwell (Ann) of West Point, GA,his grandchildren, Leigh Thomas Haynes (Chris), Niki GoberTreadaway (Ryan), Travis Blanton, Adam Blackwell (Stacy), James Blackwell, Jessica Blackwell, Alicia Blackwell Hill (Scott) and H. David Blackwell, Jr., eight great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

 

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. John Byers, the doctors, nurses and staff of Columbus Hospice and the 4 North wing of St. Francis Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909.