Jerry Ray Hurd, Sr.

Jerry Ray Hurd, Sr., age 70, of Abingdon, Va., went to his Heavenly Family Reunion on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. He was born to the late Jessee Hurd, Sr. and Leitha Dunnivan “Tootsie” Hurd of Wise County, Va.
Early in his life he showed his character by enlisting in the United States Army to ease the burden of his large family by having one less mouth to feed. He continued to shine as he proudly served during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
After his military service, he married and settled down to start a family with his wife, Linda Gail Teasley Hurd. His first child was Tamalia Sue Hurd Davis, who he is now with in Heaven. He is survived by his only son, Jerry Ray Hurd, Jr. (Michelle) of Coeburn, Va.; daughters, Jennifer Matuszyk (John) of Little Rock, Ark., Tracy McCloud (Kevin) of Russellville, Ark., and Jessica Evans of Bristol, Va.
His family has grown to include Grandchildren he adored, Jacob Hurd, Leah Rose, Whitney Cross, and Mark Steven Davis who was waiting for him in Heaven. He also had two special Great Grandchildren, Ethan and Emma Cross, who brought him great joy in his last years.
He is best known for his sense of humor and drinking coffee at all hours of the day and night. His way of eating healthy was eating a fried bologna sandwich and adding a few spinach leaves. When he couldn’t sleep at 1:30 a.m., he would make a cup of coffee and get sleepy. He was always telling jokes and doing silly things to make people laugh. He was a joy to be around and loved by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was also preceded in death by six brothers, James, Ernest, Thomas, John, Jessee Jr., and Harold “Baby” Hurd. He is also survived by his brother, Roger Hurd (Diane) of Greensboro, N.C.; sister, Kimberly Ward (Robert) of Wise, Va.; special aunt, Dora “Aunt Tommy” Cox; and several additional aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the Johnston Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, Dr. Hammad, Dr. Tisdale, Dr. Adada, and nurse navigator, Tammy McGlothin, for the care they gave him. Also, his primary care physician, Lillian Burke, at the Bristol, Virginia Veterans Clinic for her great care and concern over the years.
A graveside service will be held at 10:45 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2017, at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, Tenn. where military honors will be provided by the Boone Dam V.F.W. Post 4933 and the Virginia National Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boone Dam V.F.W. Post 4933, 1660 Redwood Dr., Kingsport, Tenn. 37664.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Jerry Ray Hurd is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).