Charles Hurlock Obituary

Charles Hurlock

Knoxville, TN

Reverend Charles Jones Hurlock, age 94, of Knoxville, on Saturday, May 2, 2015, peacefully and surrounded by his family, as he would say, "Just Ran Out of Gas"! Born February 23, 1921 to Frank and Eulah Hurlock, he was raised with his older brother, Francis (deceased) at 212 Choptank Avenue, Cambridge, Maryland "just two blocks from his beloved Choptank River and Chesapeake Bay". A true renaissance man, blessed with an innate curiosity from his youth, excelled in academics, music and sports. Charlie was a leader in his church youth group and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He developed an appreciation for classical music, especially J.S. Bach and opera, and became an accomplished pianist and organist.

At Cambridge High, he was an honor student while lettering in hockey, basketball, and tennis. An early decision for full-time Christian service led him to Emory & Henry College in SW Virginia, where he developed many lifelong friendships. He was inducted into the Blue Key Honor Society and was a member of the Varsity tennis team. He attributed much of his personal and spiritual growth to the faculty and associations encountered on the E&H campus. In gratitude, he and his wife later endowed a scholarship for deserving students pursuing a career in full-time Christian service. Upon graduation, he moved to Emory University in Atlanta, where he obtained his M. Div. degree.

Equally important, he met the love of his life, Betty Wood. Upon graduation, they were married and for the last 68 years have given witness to what a truly Christian marriage should be; seldom apart, commonly holding hands, and occasionally overheard arguing about "who loved whom the most". Together, they faithfully served United Methodist Churches throughout the Holston Conference. At each appointment, they made positive contributions to the churches and communities they served, developing lasting friendships everywhere they went. In addition, he served on many church boards and agencies. Charlie will be remembered as a lifelong example of the "truly servant heart". He loved and lived life to the fullest and in the honor of "His God".

He is survived by wife, Betty; daughter, Carol Chamberlain (Allen, deceased); son, David Hurlock (Christie Bledsoe Hurlock); special nieces, Jeanette Day, Marjorie Putnam, and Donna Hurlock; grandchildren, Wesley Chamberlain (Amy), Chad Chamberlain (Alice), Cara Chamberlain Russell, Sarah Catherine Hurlock; great-grandchildren, Emma, Aidan, Cole, Sophia, Connor, and Rylie.

Memorials can be made to The Charles & Betty Hurlock Scholarship at Emory & Henry College (P.O. Box 947 Emory, VA 24327) or the charity of your choice. A celebration of Charles' life will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 3316 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 8, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel and following the service on Saturday at First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from May 5 to May 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Hurlock

4 Entries

Vicki Beaman-Yuille

May 9, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to the Hurlock family. Mother and Dad so often spoke of him as such a fine man and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

May 8, 2015

He was an amazing person who touched each soul he met with love and grace. He is home at last listening to music we cannot comprehend. Patty and Gary McMahon

Lou Ann Thomas

May 7, 2015

Carol, Chad, Wes and Cara, the world has lost a wonderful and beloved man of God, husband, father, and grandfather. We are so happy to have known him through our love and relationship with all of you. I know he will be missed by many, but what a legacy and example he has left each and every one of us. Much love to you all. Mark and Lou Ann

Deborah Stansberry

May 6, 2015

When my Mother saw Rev. Hurlock's obituary, she told me of a time in the 60s when she was invited to speak to a group at Beaver Ridge UMC about Knox County Schools' program for special education. That evening she met Rev. Hurlock for the first time. The next day my little brother had an appendicitis attack that sent him to the hospital for surgery. While my brother and parents waited for an OR to become available, there was a knock at the door. It was Rev. Hurlock who had known Mother less than 24 hours and who knows how he found out about my brother! As Mother says, you just don't forget things like that! My family's most sincere sympathy and prayers for your family.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results