Donnie Hurley

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Donnie Hurley. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Donnie was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Donnie was born on at home in Hurley, Virginia. He was the son of Joyce "Joy" Prater and his grandparents Ray and Ida Johnson Parker who raised him. Donnie was raised in Hurley, Virginia. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Donnie was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Donnie's personality throughout his life.

      Though Donnie was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Donnie was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Donnie worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Donnie was raised with six siblings. He had one older sister Judy, two younger half-sisters, Sharon and Debbie, and three half brothers Randall, Kenny and Gary. Donnie and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Donnie was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Donnie was always tactful. One thing Donnie will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Donnie had a number of interests and was an active child. Donnie took part in basketball.

      For Donnie, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Donnie was also adept at details. Donnie was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was his coach.

      There was one thing that all of Donnie's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Donnie was such a popular person throughout his life. But Donnie was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Donnie was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Donnie was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Donnie was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Donnie was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Donnie made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bobby Hilton, Bobby Joe McCoy, and Chester McCoy. Later in life, he became friends with Chris Bowes and Rhonda, Larry and Tina Grace, Beu and Frankie Ferrell, Joes Wiseman, Kathy Bowles, Billie Wilkerson, Pat Tyler and Theresa Tyler.

      Donnie was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Donnie cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Donnie worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Donnie and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Donnie was blessed with one, only child Christopher Ray. Donnie was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Donnie was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Donnie would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Donnie, and he expected the same from those around him. Donnie was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Donnie was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Donnie handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His occupation was truck driving for his own Joann Trucking but also worked later as a mine foreman and heavy equipment operator. He was employed for 20 years by Massey Coal Services before retiring in 2000. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      Blessed with a practical nature, Donnie was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Donnie was an Army Veteran. In 1969 he was stationed at Fort Hood Texas and served in the 101st Airborne Division for two years as a gunner. Donnie saw action during the Vietnam War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Private.

      A methodical man, Donnie enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were collecting movies and coaching Little League Ball.

      Donnie was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Donnie was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Donnie played basketball. Recreational sports included coaching T-Ball, Girls Softball, Basketball and Baseball. Donnie also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity.

      Not only did Donnie enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Myrtle Beach and Corpus Chrisite Texas.

      Donnie was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Little Man, Long Hair Dachshund, who was a best friend for 7 years. His family was rounded out by his German Shepherd, Satin, his Huskey, Meisha, his Dachhunds, Dakota, Tex and Sunshine, his Boston Terriers Cuddles and Captain Jack.

      Since it was easy for Donnie to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Donnie was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2000. His new life involved relocating to Seynour, TN. In retirement, he found new pleasure in learning computers. Even in retirement, Donnie stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Donnie passed away on July 4, 2012 at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. He fought his final battle for his country with complications from Agent Orange and artery disease. He is survived by his wife Joann Hurley, his son Christopher Ray Hurley, his brothers Gary, Randall, and Kenny, his sisters Sharon and Debbie Services were held at Berry Funeral Home.

      Donnie was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Donnie was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Donnie Hurley.

A Poem From His Sister

In Loving Memory of My Brother

You're the Lovely Brother

I've adored since I was small,

And for me the day you left us

Was the saddest of all.

But all the memories that we shared

From when you were a boy,

Have ever filled my heart

With Happiness and Joy.

You grew up and proved to be

A man both fair and true,

And every day throughout my life

I will think of you.

Your Loving Sister-Sharon Prater Hurley