Brigadier General Nicholas (Nick) Richard Hurst, 82, of Huntsville, AL passed away in his residence on Sunday, April 19, 2020 surrounded by family.
Nick was born in Mexico, Indiana to Brigadier General Richard Martin Hurst and Wilma Arlene Kinzie Hurst. Nick graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY in 1962. On the same day of his graduation he married his sweetheart, Valeria Ann Burkett, at the West Point Chapel and he began his military career. He served in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces as an A Team Commander and Green Beret. He always said one of his greatest accomplishments was that all of his team members came back alive to reunite with their families. He later went on to complete his Masters, 1969, and PhD, 1973, in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. He advanced through the ranks to brigadier general, United States Army, in 1988.
Nick was a highly decorated officer. His distinctions included Army Superior Unit Award, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Presidential Unit Commendation-Army, National Defense Service Medal (with /Bronze Star), Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, and Army General Staff Identification Badge.
After 29 years of service and raising three sons, Ray, David, and Scott, Nick and Ann retired to Hilton Head Island, SC where he played competitive tennis and enjoyed his love for the ocean. Nick also had a lifelong love for cars that he shared with his boys.
After the birth of his grandson they moved to Huntsville, AL to be closer to family until shortly after his wife’s death. He later remarried Demetra “Dee” Lambert, a loving and supportive wife. Through this relationship he became a Christian at the age of 80.
He was preceded in death by his parents, B.G. Richard Martin Hurst and Arlene Kinzie Hurst, and his wife, and mother of his children, Ann Burkett Hurst. He is survived by his wife, Dee Lambert Hurst; sons Ray, David (Gina) and Scott (Sharon); grandson, Logan; sister, Susan “Sue” Hurst Slafkosky (Joseph); and niece, Jenny Slafkosky.
Nick loved God, loved life, loved his family and loved his country … he loved his dogs too! He was a member, with his wife, Dee, of Twickenham Church of Christ. He was a good husband, a good father and grandfather, and a good soldier. Nick was incredibly kind and humble with impeccable values. He lived a full, rich and joyful life; and his passing leaves a sorrow in the hearts of those who love him, a sorrow tempered by the hope of reunion in eternal life.
A private graveside service with military honors will be attended by immediate family at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Twickenham Church of Christ (www.twickenham.org).
