David Harold Hurst, Sr. was born in Chesterfield County, South Carolina on August 27, 1939 to the late Tyler Clifton and Katherine (Kate) Blakeney Hurst. He was the third of 4 children and was the baby brother to his siblings, Martha Jean Hurst Curlee, Jerry Clifton Hurst, and Faye Katherine Hurst.
Harold was educated in public schools in Pageland, SC and completed his studies in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating at York Technical College. He had a 40+ year career as a mechanical technician for Springs Industries.
He was a sweet, kind, funny man. He was the silly to Alma’s sweet; the jokester, prankster, and # 1 thumb wrestler for his kids and grandkids. He loved woodworking, fishing, hunting, and playing card games. He taught his kids and grandkids to love it, too.
As a teenager, he enlisted in the US Navy completing boot camp in San Diego, CA and spent 3 of his 4 years of military service stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
When he returned home from the Navy, he dated and married his lifelong love, Alma Small. Their 60-year marriage has been an example for many as best friends, partners, and true companions rooted in dedication to God and spreading the gospel of Christ. Harold loved her with all his might and would do anything with her or for her … whether it was working in the garden, canning vegetables, or going on day trips together.
His selflessness reached beyond his family. He was always willing to do anything for anyone. As a young man in his thirties, he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Lesslie Fire Department. For 10 years, he was a member of the York County Foster Parents Association and once served as the President of the association.
His service to the Lord was his most important role in life and was done so without pomp and circumstance. He was taught the plan of salvation and was baptized into Christ in 1974. He was a member of Charlotte Avenue church of Christ in Rock Hill, SC for nearly 50 years and served as a Deacon for 25 years. During this time, he volunteered in many capacities such as Vacation Bible School, Palmetto Bible Camp kitchen crew, co-hosted youth devotions at his home, and visited the sick and shut-in.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Darryl Clifton Hurst; his parents, Tyler and Kate Hurst; his sisters Jean Curlee and Faye Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Alma Hurst of the home; his son David Hurst (Norma) of Catawba, SC; his daughter Gina Buchanan (Brian) of Charlotte, NC; his chosen children Alex Wilson (Jennifer) of Catawba, SC; Scott Wilson (Tammy) of Wingate, NC; Kay Trant (Bill) of Burlington, NC; Mary Boatwright of Rock Hill; 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jerry Hurst and his wife Geraldine of Pageland, SC and a host of many relatives and friends.
The Memorial Service for Harold Hurst will be Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2 PM at Charlotte Avenue church of Christ, 339 Charlotte Avenue, Rock Hill, SC, 29732. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at 1 PM.
Condolences can be made at greenefuneralhome.net.