Phillip Oakley Hurst

Phillip Oakley Hurst, age 80, of Montevallo, Alabama passed away at home on Friday, November 29, 2024. He was born in Clarkton, North Carolina, the only child of Phillip Oakley Hurst, Sr. and Betty Wooten Hurst. Phil graduated from Cross Keys High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He then attended Samford University on the G.I. Bill where he earned Bachelor's degrees in English and Business. Throughout the years, Phil worked as an insurance agent, real estate, advertising sales, business equipment sales, insurance investigator, co-owner of Blue Phrog Gallery, occasional minister of wedding ceremonies and lifelong cowboy. He also earned money playing guitar in California after leaving the Air Force and then around Birmingham while he went to Samford. He never lost his love of music continued to play and sing with friends throughout the years.

Phil served as a founding member of Special Equestrians, founding member of the Hogzillas Barbeque Cooking Team, President of the Montevallo Rotary Club, treasurer and shooter with the Alabama Rangers Chapter of S.A.S.S. where he went by the alias "Dead Horse". A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, he rode street bikes, raced dirt bikes and rode his Harley "Gandalf" to honor veterans as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. He was active in the community supporting numerous other events and organizations, including Arts Fest, Tinglewood, Art Walk, Owens House and Children's Hospital.

He could often be found socializing with the Old Men's Club at Barnstormers, Eclipse, and The Main Street Tavern. He was an avid collector of Americana, barbecue sauces, Pabst memorabilia and other passions he shared. Phil had a great sense of humor, never met a stranger and made people feel good to be around him. His larger than life personality will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Suzanne S. Hurst; and son, Phillip O. Hurst III and daughter-in-law, Shelly Hurst of Ormond Beach, Florida. He is predeceased by his daughter, Phoebe Olivia Hurst. Cousins include Walt Bentley (Georgia), Terrianne Pagubitan (Guadencio), Kenneth Powell (Cicely), and Stewart Powell.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Spring Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3411 Spring Creek Road, Montevallo, Alabama 35115, followed by a memorial service at 3:30 PM.