Eugene Hamilton Hurst Jr.

Every now and then, a man of great honor and character is born, and that man lives his life with true heart and love, and when he passes, there is a great sorrow that affects his whole community. Such a man was Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr. He courageously fought his cancer with great strength and dignity and drew his last breath on Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born in Richlands, Virginia, on June 17, 1942, and was the son of the late Eugene H. Hurst, Sr. and Billie Sue McConnell Hurst.

Gene was a graduate of Richlands High School, Class of 1959, and of Emory and Henry University, Class of 1963. Following in his father's footsteps, he then graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and became a funeral director.

Gene dedicated his life to serving others as the owner and operator of the Hurst-Scott Funeral Homes in Richlands and Tazewell. In this role, he was much more than a businessman; he was a source of profound love and compassion for families during their most difficult moments. Over the years, he guided countless families through grief with a gentle spirit and a genuine heart, leaving an indelible mark on the community he served. Gene lived as a testament to kindness and professional integrity.

He was a lifelong member of the Richlands First Methodist Church, where he was a member of the St. Thomas Sunday School Class, Adult Choir, Men's Breakfast, and other various administrative leadership positions. His faith, his church, his family, and his business were his life.

He held the distinction of being the longest active member of both the Tazewell County Country Club and the Richlands Lions Club. Gene was also a member of the National Guard Unit in Richlands; American Legion, Roanoke Scottish Rites, Gundy Oddfellows Lodge #17 I.O.O.F., Kazim Shriners, Southwest Funeral Directors Association, Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce, CART, International Order of the Golden Rule, and the Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 AF & AM where he was a member for over 53 years. He and his wife, Martha, were prominent supporters of the Historic Crab Orchard Museum and the Southwest Virginia Community College Educational Foundation. He will be deeply missed by his family, his colleagues, and the entire community.

Those who remain to carry on his spirit are:

His true love and soul mate of over 60 years, Martha Firebaugh Hurst

Daughter: Jill Hurst Stump, and her husband, Jimmy of Centreville, Virginia

Sons:

Gregory H. Hurst and his wife, Diane of Radford, VA

Jeffrey N. Hurst and his wife, Charity of Richlands, VA

Sister: Susie Garrett and husband, Jeff of Cornelius, NC

Affectionally known as "Granddad," his greatest joy in life was loving and being loved by his grandchildren: 1stLt Grayson Hamilton Hurst; Bailey Nicole Hurst and fiancée, Killian Cardinale; Sadie McConnell Hurst and fiancée, 1stLt Joseph Michael Kennedy; Addison Jill Hurst; Nathaniel Patton Hurst; Lillee Manning Hurst; Raelyn Martha Stump; Cooper Nelson Hurst; and Ivy Jaymes Stump.

His Bonus Family: Brandon and Breanne McDaniel and their children, Kolten, Peyton, and Ryder; and Eric and Lakin McDaniel and their children, Ellee and Rhyatt.

Special thanks to his caregivers: Ashley M. Ward, Sherry Jackson, Linda Wingler, and Darrell and Robbie Kinder. Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Legacy Hospice and Palliative Care.

Funeral services for Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr. will be conducted Monday, March 16, 2026 at 1pm at the Richlands First Methodist Church, 402 Suffolk Avenue, Richlands, Virginia with Rev. Devin Schultz officiating. Interment will follow at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, Virginia. Pallbearers will be current and former employees of the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday evening from 5pm until 9pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. Masonic services will be conducted on Monday after the funeral at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Richlands First Methodist Church, 402 Suffolk Ave, Richlands, Virginia 24641 or the SVCC Educational Foundation, PO Box 1101, Richlands, Virginia 24641.

Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com