Hurdis Angus Brock

1926 - 2012

Hurdis Angus Brock passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, in Crestview, Fla., after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 31, 1926, in Washington County, Fla., and raised in Vernon, Fla. He was the 1944 Valedictorian of Vernon High School, and he served his country in the United States Army during World War II in Germany and Okinawa. He was the first of his family to attend college, enrolling in Florida State University shortly after the conclusion of World War II. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict, and after completing his military service, returned to Florida to begin his career in the automotive parts industry. In 1955, he became the manager of Taylor Parts and Supply Company in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., growing it to be the largest and most successful in this southern chain of stores. He also served on the Taylor Parts Board of Directors and was a key leader in the transition to CarQuest Auto Parts.

Brock served his community as a member of the Fort Walton Beach City Council from 1971 to 1979. He was most proud of his active role in fostering community relations with Eglin Air Force Base and creating and improving city recreational facilities and opportunities for all residents. He was a long-time member of the Fort Walton Beach Lions Club, serving as President from 1970-1971. In addition, he held leadership positions in the Florida Automotive Wholesalers Association, Foxwood Country Club, Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, Krewe of Bowlegs, and Los Caballeros. In addition, he was the Commissioner of the Fort Walton Beach Little League and a charter member and first president of the Crestview Rotary Club. Brock was a member of First Baptist Church of Crestview and the Jim Owens Sunday School class.

Brock loved his community, and especially the people of North Florida. He leaves behind a strong legacy of belief in and support for local businesses. He had a passion for helping those less fortunate in his community, especially those suffering from hunger. He never met a stranger and was blessed to call many "friend." He was beloved by his family and known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as "Pop."

Brock is preceded in death by his first wife, Dot; his father, Angus Brock; his mother, Laura Brock; his father-in-law, Clete Lane; his mother-in-law, Martha Lane; his brothers Clarence, Ned, J.N., Josh, Leslie, and James Brock; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his best friend and brother-in-law, Oakley Hightower.

He is survived by his wife, Dora Merle "Sal" Hudson Brock; his sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Pat Brock, Stan and Kay Brock, and Scott and Suzi Brock; two very special grandsons, Lt. Col. Steve Brock, Jr., his wife Amy, and Andrew Brock, his wife, Bonnie; great-grandchildren, Tory, Trey, Jackson, Delilah, Emma, and Dylan; brothers, Bill, his wife Betty, Drexel, his wife Ollie; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by Sal's niece, Beverly Moore and her sons, Bill, his wife Tulsa, their children Moya, Blanca, and William; Troy; Michel, his wife Megan, their children Matthew, Marcus, Mason, and Daniel.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at 10 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Crestview.

The family would like to thank North Okaloosa Medical Center physicians, nurses, caregivers and staff for their loving care. Condolences may be expressed to the family by signing the guest book at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com.