James Robert “Bob” Hurt Sr., 82, passed away June 25, 2018. He was born October 27, 1935 to Cecil and Eunice Hurt of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Bob was a graduate of Chattanooga High and McCallie School. He was a 1958 graduate of Auburn University with a BS degree in Industrial Management. He was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity.
While at Auburn, Bob was a member of several honoraries including Scabbard and Blade, Who’s Who in American Colleges, Blue Key, and Spades. He was also a cheerleader for two years, receiving his varsity “A” for being Auburn’s head cheerleader for the 1957 National Championship team. Bob was a lifetime member of the Auburn Alumni Association, and served as president of the Quad Cities Auburn Club.
Bob spent a short time at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and later in an Army Reserve Unit, before he retired having achieved the rank of Captain. In 1961, he joined Weyerhaeuser Company, where he was employed for 38 years as a sales representative and sales manager.
He was a member of the Florence Civitan Club, and the Florence Rotary Club. Bob was an active member of the YMCA, serving on the Board of Directors for six years. He also served on the board for Habitat for Humanity. He was also a member of Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club, where he was an avid golfer for many years.
Bob was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, serving in the positions of Deacon, Elder and Trustee.
Bob leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 58 years, JoBeth Smith Hurt; daughters, Susan (Richard) Bedsole and JoAnna (Allen Law) McCall; son, James Robert “Jimmy” (Courtney) Hurt Jr.; granddaughter, Sara Bedsole; grandsons, Drew Bedsole, James Robert “Trey” Hurt III, Brooks Hurt and Holt Hurt. He is also survived by his twin brother, William Whitfield Hurt of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Florence. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 3 p.m. officiated by Reverend Brandon Miles.
Sons-in-law, grandsons, and nephews will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Florence.
An online guest book may be signed at greenviewmemorial.com.
Arrangements are by Greenview Funeral Home.
