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Celebrating the life of Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr., an esteemed funeral director and businessman, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and beloved member of the Richlands community, died on March 6, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Eugene “Gene” Hamilton Hurst, Jr., graduated from Richlands High School in 1959 and Emory & Henry University four years later; he then followed in his father's footsteps, graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and becoming a funeral director; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst dedicated his career to serving his community as the owner and operator of Hurst-Scott Funeral Homes in Richlands and Tazewell, and the love and compassion he showed to families in their most difficult moments made a positive and lasting impact on countless lives; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst served the country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States National Guard in Richlands; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst was notably the longest active member of both the Tazewell County Country Club and the Richlands Lions Club at the time of his passing; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst supported his industry and fellow funeral directors as a member of the Southwest Virginia Funeral Directors Association and promoted the growth and development of Richlands as a member of the Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst was a proud member of a number of local community organizations, including the American Legion and the Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, where he was a member for more than 53 years; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Gene Hurst enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Richlands First Methodist Church, where he served as a member of the St. Thomas Sunday school class, adult choir, and men's breakfast and in other leadership positions; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Martha; his children, Jill, Gregory, and Jeffrey, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr., a treasured member of the Richlands community whose legacy of faith, service, and dedication will forever inspire all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.