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George William Leslie Hurst III, better know as Bill Hurst, Dad or Papa, 75, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, January 20, 2018 in his home with his wife, Rosann by his side, after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Pierre, South Dakota to George and Frankie Hurst, he lived his earlier years in South Dakota and Minnesota and then relocated to Middle Tennessee. He worked in the trucking industry prior to working for Jefferson Pilot and retired from AFLAC. He was always a leader, and made lasting friendships beyond the company.
Bill served his country in the United States Air Force in the early 60's. He was a very religious man, honoring the church community he served by volunteering for countless events and is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He taught several family members how to play golf, his favorite past time, and helped one of his daughters get to State Championship twice. His love of golf kept him playing even while carrying oxygen tanks to the tee box. He loved cooking BBQ and grilling for family and holiday events. He could answer most questions on Jeopardy, since he had a love of history and geography. He spent thousands of early morning hours at the Y with several friends. He had a love for good wine with dinner and was becoming a connoisseur. And in the last few months, he found a love for listening to hundreds of e-books on his iPad.
Bill was a loving husband, father, Papa and friend to all. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rosann Hurst, two daughters, ten grandchildren and was blessed with seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Hurst.
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Harley Middleton
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was the first classmate I knew. Bill and I were four years old and we lived about a half block from Bill's home. At one time my mother baby sat Bill. His grandpa George also lived very close and I remember what a jolly, wonderful grandpa he was to Bill and Jim. Bill and I walked to Mckinley together until I moved. In the first or second grade, the three Bills had to stand in front of the class and sing the response to "Where have you been Billy Boy". Those three were Bill Hurst, Bill Gordon and me. Other than that, all of my memories are great. The fact that Bill gave so much time to community effort doesn't surprise me, but his time at Pine Ridge was truly admirable. He was a difference maker! God bless you Rosann and your family. Harley W. (Bill) Middleton
Dorothy M. Huckfeldt (Neddermeyer)
Bill: Thank you for being you and bringing the many joyful moment you gave. You reminded be of a gentle playful bear--with a wonderful smile and positive attidude. I wish you a speedy and easy journey home. Although, your family and friends will miss your physical presence, your legacy and all the memories will console them until meet again. Regards, Dorothy M. Huckfeldt Neddermeyer
Dorothy M. Huckfeldt (Neddermeyer)
Bill: Thank you for being you and bringing the many joyful moments you gave. You remind me of a gentle playful bear--with a wonderful smile and positive attidude. I wish you a speedy and easy journey home. Although, your family and friends will miss your physical presence, your legacy and all the memories will console them until you all meet again. Regards, Dorothy M. Huckfeldt Neddermeyer
Thomas M. Woods
Bill, thanks for being a true friend and hunting companion. You were a neighbor just down the street ( S Van Buren) one block from me when I returned to Pierre in 1965. We had many a fine time together playing cards and talking about our experiences. You always had that big grin on your face and remained positive almost all the time except when you missed an easy shot. The first time I met you was when our father’s were practicing on the seven man volunteer fireman department competition team preparing for the State Volunteer Firemen’s Convention. They actually closed down Capital Avenue in front of the Statehouse in order to practice about twice a week. Us kids would have the whole Statehose area to play in and we made up games as we played. Your dedicated participation in your Church was something I did not know as I thought only Carl Wise and I had to order grilled cheese sandwiches on Friday night ( instead of a juicy cheeseburger) after a football game as we tried to observe Church Doctrine. You were a fighter until the end when called to a better place. Blessings for your family.