James Parks Hurst

Published 4:00 am Friday, July 10, 2015

    NEWTON – Services for James Parks Hurst will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Newton County Funeral Home, South. Burial will follow in Sand Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Hickory with Masonic Rites and with Bro. Jackie Strebeck and Bro. Glenn Hayman officiating.

    Mr. Hurst, 88, died Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was born Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1927, in Hickory.

    As a veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in World War II, then after the war he acquired a master’s degree in education from Mississippi College. He served a lifetime in the field of education from positions’ such as teacher, coach, guidance counselor and even headmaster and principal. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, during which time he served in every position. He served the position of Master 20 times at the Hickory Lodge and one time at Mellen Lodge in Chunky. He was a founding member of Sand Springs Baptist Church and remained very active until recent months. He will be remembered for his loving guidance and missed by all that knew and respected him.

    He is survived by his son, James Leonard Hurst Sr. and wife, Janine; daughter, Karen E. Huey and husband, James; grandchild, Jamie Hurst and wife, Stacey; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Hurst, Landon Hurst and Colton Williams; sister-in-law, Amelia Jo Hurst; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

    He is preceded in death by his spouse, Floy E.  Hurst; parents, Green Oscar Hurst and Bessie P Hurst; brothers, Vester Hurst, Leon Hurst and H. O. Hurst; and sisters, Ozell Hegwood, Janie Bracken, Vera Brackeen, Myrtis Robinson, Audrey Gentry and Lorene McNeil.

    Pallbearers will be Jackie Gentry, Mike Hurst, Charles Hurst, Gary Hurst, Freddie Gentry and Timmy Gentry. Honorary Pallbearer: Ronnie Hurst

    Visitation will be held today, from 5-8 p.m., at the funeral home.