J. A. Hurt

J. A. Hurt, Jr., 73, of Morganton, died Sunday, August 5, 2012 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care in Valdese. He was born in Morganton on June 24, 1939 to J. A. Hurt and Rosie Mooney Hurt, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Morganton High School, Class of 1957, and had recently attended his 55th class reunion. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Pharmacy. J. A. began his pharmacy career at Spake Pharmacy while in school, and continued for a number of years following graduation. He did relief work in Rutherfordton, Hickory, Shelby, and Lenoir, and more recently, at Granite Drug in Granite Falls and Morganton Drug. J. A. and his wife, Carol, owned and operated Pharm-Assist for many years, servicing nursing homes and rest homes. They later owned and operated Buck’s Pizza.He was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church, and later attended the First United Methodist Church. J.A. was a former member and President of the Jaycees. He enjoyed reading, wood working, antique cars, and traveling. He visited England, Italy, Alaska, Sedona, California, Branson, and other locations in the states and abroad. J. A. made many friends personally and through his work. He was highly respected and loved by all who had the privilege of being part of his life.J. A. is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carol Claywell Hurt; daughters, Laura Hurt and Elizabeth (Buffy) Hurt Brown, both of Morganton; sisters, Eller Mae Simmons and Mary Anderson, both of Morganton, Dorothy Grady of Monroe, GA, and Jean Lane of Arden, NC; a number of nieces and nephews; and Marsha Anderson, mother of his children.In addition to his parents, J. A. was preceded in death by a sister, Irene H. Sides.Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012 in the Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center with Rev. Brian Smith. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. A private family entombment will be held at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.