Mr. Hurst attended Talladega city schools and Jacksonville State University, and graduated from Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He volunteered for the National Guard on his 18th birthday, and his unit was activated just before Thanksgiving 1940.
He and his wife, Alice Parker Hurst, were married over Independence Day weekend, 1942. He served in the 22nd Infantry 4th Division in World War II and Korea, including service on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. He also fought in northern France, the Rhineland and the Ardennes Forest in western Germany during the Battle of the Bulge. Other service medals include Distinguished Unit Badge and the American Defense Service Ribbon.
He earned the Silver Star in late 1944, after driving five trucks to safety from German planes.
He retired from the Army as a full colonel after 33 years of service and worked as a mail carrier. He was also elected to a term as a Talladega city councilman, and served as council president for four years.
During his tenure, the city built the Spring Street and Brecon recreation centers, the Jemison Street tennis courts and the Talladega Public Library. He was an active member of First Baptist Church until his illness, and served on the board of directors for the Community Action Agency of Clay, Randolph and Talladega counties.
He was also a former member of the Lions Club, NARFE, and the Reserve Officers Association. An avid reader, Mr. Hurst enjoyed fishing and devoted much of his time to his grandchildren. He instilled in his children the pride of being an American citizen, love of God and honesty.
State Rep. Steve Hurst is Mr. Hurst’s nephew. “In my opinion, he was a great American,” he said. “He served his country in war time, he went and fought for our freedoms. But he also served the citizens back here. He was always kind and trying to help others. He was a man of respect and high character. He was a devoted family man. I know he struggled these last few years, but he’s in a great place now.”
Mr. Hurst’s brother, Joe, said, “He was always my big brother and my hero. He was a good man, a family man, and he served his country in two wars. He’s always been my hero. He’s got two great sons, lots of grandchildren, and he loved everybody.”
He and his cousin Jimmy Hurst served together in Korea. “Someone told me recently that Billy was the last surviving officer from the 464th anti-aircraft, and one of the most highly decorated officers from Talladega. You don’t see all that many silver stars.”
Son Bill agreed. “He was a wonderful dad, he worked hard all his life. He and my mother were always so involved in church, and helping to carry people to the doctor when they couldn’t get there on their own. You don’t see a lot of people retiring as full colonels, and you certainly don’t see many 68 year marriages anymore.”
Former Talladega Police Chief Joe Sparks was a longtime friend. “He was one of the most dedicated councilmen I have had the pleasure of serving under. He was a true friend to professional law enforcement, and he was very much in touch with what we needed to get the job done. He and his wife are both wonderful people, and I really enjoyed knowing them.”
In addition to his wife, Mr. Hurst is survived by two sons, William Clarence Hurst Jr. and wife Sandra Jones Hurst of Talladega and Robert Parker Hurst of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren, David Alan Hurst and wife Angela of Oxford, Joel Andrew Hurst and wife Shannon and Corrie Hurst Weiss and husband Scott, all of Birmingham, and Abbie Hurst Woodard and Logan Ashby Hurst of Tallahassee, Fla.; five great-grandchildren are David Hurst Jr., Drew Hurst, Zach Hurst, Bradley Woodard and Parker Strickland; a brother, Joseph Hurst and wife Sylvia of Talladega; a sister, Sara Hurst Lumbye and husband Paul of Warrenton, Va.; sisters-in-law, Annie Ruth Hurst of Talladega and Frances Hurst of Birmingham; cousins, Jimmy Hurst and Doris Schmidt of Talladega; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Hurst was preceded in death by his parents, Will Leroy and Daisy Haynes Hurst; brothers, Robert Hurst and Thomas Hurst; and a sister, Mary Hurst Moore.
Funeral service will be Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Rob Paul and the Rev. Jim McCain officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church.
Usrey Funeral Home is directing the service.
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