Chalmers Rudolph Hurlbert, Jr

Chalmers Rudolph Hurlbert, Jr., known as “Rudy,” of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the age of 73.

Rudy was born on September 12, 1952, in Gulfport, to Chalmers Rudolph “Booty” Hurlbert and Mary (Triana) Hurlbert. He attended St. John Catholic School as a 12-year student before graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theater. Rudy loved theater and it showed very evident in his many acting roles he played beginning in his high school years and later with the Biloxi and Gulfport Little Theaters.

Rudy began his career with the Mississippi Highway Commission in Jackson, MS, before earning his real estate license from K. L. Young Realty in Gulfport. He later worked for the Gulf Coast Coliseum as a lighting and stage technician, a role he truly loved and enjoyed for many years. A man of deep faith, Rudy also served as a devoted Gospel Reader at St. James Catholic Church, a ministry that brought him great pride and fulfillment.

From a young age, Rudy embraced the Gulf Coast life, learning the skills of boating, shrimping, crabbing, floundering, and fishing from his father. He was also an avid reader, often spending hours at the library with his mother and siblings. His passions included airplane model building, woodworking, gardening, and cooking. He was a talented baker and chef, carrying on family traditions passed down from his father and grandmother, Agnes Krohn Hurlbert. Rudy’s creativity and love for crafting were well known, and he often shared his woodwork with others. He also found joy in tending to his flowers and vegetables each year and treasured the companionship of his beloved cats who miss him dearly, “E7” and “Spike.”

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Chalmers and Mary Hurlbert; and his loving wife, Diane (Young) Hurlbert.

He is survived by his sister, Nadine Marie Hurlbert Keane and her husband, James; his brothers, James Russell Hurlbert and Dennis S. Hurlbert (Jeannette); along with extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery in Gulfport.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the kind and supportive staff of Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes, Jeanne of Sadie Jane’s Florist, and Floral Hills for their compassion and care during this time.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Chalmers Rudolph Hurlbert, Jr.