James Randolph "Randy" Hurst

James Randolph “Randy” Hurst, age 66 of Kingsport, died on December 27, 2013 at the Wellmont HV Hospice, surrounded by his wife and sons. He was a native of Sullivan County and the son of the late Marvin and Evelyn Wooten Hurst. While in graduate school, he delivered his second son, Shawn, in a VW Beetle on the way to the hospital. He was “assisted” by his first-born son, Kenneth, who gave the baby one of his blankets. He began his teaching career at Granite Falls High School, in NC in 1971. During his tenure at that school, his students went to the NC State Junior Academy of Science competition, where their projects won 1st place in several different categories, not only their first year in competition, but for several years thereafter until he left his position at GFHS to return to school. He later taught at Draughons Junior College in Kingsport and Johnson City, TN, and also, Northeast State Community College in Blountville, TN before retiring in 1992.

Randy was known for his sense of humor and love of learning. In addition to teaching, his hobbies were making necklaces of natural stones, listening to music, playing volleyball, croquet, disc golf and nature photography. He won first place in the Amateur Photography Competition, sponsored by Eastman Kodak as part of their 100th year celebration in 1980. He loved nature, animals, and spending time with his family. He had many beloved pets in his life, and had many feline and canine friends.

He was a graduate of ETSU, where he earned his B.S. in Biology in 1969, and his M.S. in Biology in 1972.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Wanda (Rogers) Hurst; two sons: Shawn Hurst (& wife, Juanita) of Kingsport and Kenneth Hurst of Kingsport (& special friend, Sandy Moles, of Tazewell, TN); brother, Rickie Hurst and sister, Susan Hurst, both of Kingsport. Also surviving are his canine family: Rags, his loving companion/pet, and his loving grand dogs, Pepper & Blondie.

Per Mr. Hurst’s wishes, he was cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Crossroads Medical Mission, P.O. Box 16852, Bristol, VA, 24209-6852 (or online at: crossroadsmedicalmission.org); the Sullivan Co. Humane Society, or to the Wellmont Holston Valley Hospice, Kingsport, TN.

A Memorial Service/Celebration of his life will be held at a later date, time and place to be announced.

Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a condolence for the family. East Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the Hurst family.