William H. Hurst

WILLIAM H. HURST JAN 3, 1922 - SEPT 22, 2010 Bill was born in Ochlocknee, GA. Upon graduation from high school in 1940, he joined the US Army, and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Bill was deployed to the South Pacific at Guadalcanal. During his deployment, he contracted malaria. He was transferred to Hammond General Military Hospital in Modesto. After being discharged, Bill decided upon a career as an electrician, becoming a Journeyman in May of 1949. His career as an electrician spanned 31 years. He remained a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 65 years, until his death. He was a master craftsman at his trade and a good provider for his family, which grew to three sons and one daughter. Bill and his wife, Ethel, attended an evangelistic tent meeting put on by Billy Graham in Modesto on Oct. 28, 1948. They both went down the aisle and received Christ as their Savior. Bill was an active church member at Calvary Baptist Church, Modesto. He especially liked the weekly Bible studies. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and traveling in his motor home. He also enjoyed gardening and sharing his fruits, nuts and vegetables. In his later years, Bill liked to begin his day at Perko's for coffee and to chat with the clientele and servers. Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ethel Pat'' Hurst. When recently asked about the secret to having a long, happy marriage, he answered: When one of us starts to argue, the other shuts up.'' His other survivors include his three sons, William Ron'' Hurst (Pat) of Pismo Beach, Dennis Hurst (Julie) of Oakdale, and Daryl Hurst (Barbara) of Benicia; his daughter, Donna Hurst of Modesto; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Bellows, Trevor Hurst (Carmen), Heather Jakobsen (Paul), Justin Flood, Jennifer Flood, Joseph Hurst, Esther Hurst; and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Christopher, his mother, Willie Mae and his brother, Hollis Hurst. A celebration of the life of William H. Hurst, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1732 Miller Ave., in Modesto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Calvary Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 1732 Miller Ave., Modesto, CA, 95354. www.modbee.com/obituaries