Kyle Darren Hurt

Kyle Darren Hurt
January 8, 1970 – August 31, 2024
Kyle Darren Hurt passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on a beautiful Saturday morning at the age of 54. Kyle was born on January 8, 1970, in San Diego, California to parents Lonnie and Bettye Hurt. From the beginning, Kyle was a traveler. At the age of 6 weeks, he moved with his family to Japan, followed by Hawaii, and finally growing up in Clarksville, TN. Though he proudly called Tennessee home, he continued to visit various states and countries, enjoying the views, food, and beverages along his journeys.
After graduating from high school, Kyle worked in various successful careers throughout his life. While earning his bachelor's degree in Biology at Middle Tennessee State University, he had the opportunity to work at his first loved career at the Stones River Battlefield in Murfreesboro, TN. During his time at the battlefield, Kyle worked as a naturalist and as a woodland firefighter. He immensely enjoyed working with coworkers and volunteers to preserve the natural landscape of the battlefield with native plants and historical features. He took opportunities to teach them about the plants, ecosystems, and ecology of the Middle Tennessee area. Kyle enthusiastically answered the call to fight fires and natural disaster relief efforts in various states across the US. Despite the 16-hour days for weeks at a time, Kyle loved helping others. In 2009, Kyle began his final and most loved career, teaching high school science. He was truly an educator at heart. Kyle was a passionate teacher with a wealth of knowledge. He read the news daily and shared interesting facts and information with students, family, and anyone else who was lucky enough to engage in conversation with him. Kyle loved sharing science knowledge in the classroom but most of all he felt it was his duty to give life lessons in a caring way to all his many students over the years. He was invested in making the world a better place one student at a time.
In his free time, Kyle was an avid hiker and backpacker. Any time of year, he would grab his gear, and best pack dog, Nanuk or Kaiah, to hit the trails for a few days. His favorite spots were Tennessee State Parks such as Frozen Head and Savage Gulf. Exploring, being truly in the moment, identifying plants, and challenging himself to pack lighter and lighter gear were his favorite things on the trail.
Kyle was also a saltwater aquarium enthusiast and dog owner extraordinaire. Kyle owned aquariums for over 30 years and was known for passing his knowledge and love for corals and fish down to many friends over the years. He also was a firm believer in raising his children with dog companions. He loved to rescue dogs and give them a loving home.
Of all his accomplishments, careers, and hobbies, Kyle considered his children, Aidan and Adelyn, his crowning achievement in life. He loved them both so very much and no matter how sick he was showed up for swim meets, tennis matches, dance recitals, and Tae Kwon Do belt ceremonies. Kyle was a loving and present father who loved his children with all his heart.
Though it did not define him, Kyle fought Leiomyosarcoma courageously for almost six years. He finally found peace on August 31st, 2024, in the comfort of his home in the arms of his loved ones. Kyle leaves behind his soulmate and wife, Christina, beloved children, Aidan and Adelyn, mother Bettye Hurt, sister Karen (Brad) Hornsby, brother Kevin (Patricia) Hurt, brother Kent (Patricia) Hurt, chosen brother Michael Rhoades, numerous nieces and a nephew. Kyle was preceded in death by his father Lonnie Hurt.
The family would like to thank Vanderbilt University Hospital for all their care for Kyle over the years. We are also grateful for Alive Hospice keeping Kyle comfortable and at home per his wishes to enjoy his final days with family and loved ones.
Kyle's celebration of life will be held at The Walnut House in Murfreesboro, TN on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, at 3pm with a happy hour to follow in Kyle's honor. The family will receive visitors prior to the celebration with visitation from 1 – 3 pm.
To honor Kyle's request, in lieu of flowers, the family would like for anyone wishing to express sympathy and love to consider donating to the Evan M. Hurt Memorial Scholarship at Austin Peay State University or the Trevor Hornsby Memorial Scholarship Fund at Middle Tennessee State University. These scholarships memorialize Kyle's beloved nephews who left us too early but whose legacies remain in helping others achieve success.
Evan M. Hurt Memorial Scholarship Link: https://givetoapsu.com/EvanHurt
Trevor Hornsby Memorial Scholarship Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/trevor-hornsby-memorial-scholarship