William Blair Hursh

August 24, 1943 – May 27, 2011

Clifford and Geraldine Hursh were thrilled to welcome a spunky baby boy Blair, (Billy) on August 24, 1943 in their home at Scotch Hill 2 in Larimer Pennsylvania. Bill was born with spina bifida and wasn’t expected to live past day 2. Within the first year he had numerous surgeries and started his long journey of defying the odds. The surgeries were successful but he would continue to have many surgeries throughout the years. He was determined not to let that stop him. As a child and a teenager he kept up with all of his friends even though he was on crutches. He wanted to be treated like everyone else and refused to accept anyones pity.

When Bill was a child his Dad bought him a pony to get around. Billy rode that pony all around town. Growing up Bill was a huge fan of Elvis Presley. He styled his hair like Elvis, everyone said he looked like Elvis and he danced like Elvis. In fact, Bill appeared as a dancer on the Dick Clark show in 1959. Appearance was everything to Bill, especially hair. With this in mind, Bill successfully owned his own hair salon. Bill was featured in the newspaper for defying the odds in his career. This career was right up his alley because he was able to chat with many people.

Bill met the love of his life at the Shriners Hospital and rehab center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Judy was already engaged to another man but Bill used his Elvis looks and charm to sweep Judy off her feet. They were married in 1965 on vacation in Florida.

In 1975, after a 10 year journey and many heartbreaks they delivered a baby boy. This was another milestone that defied the odds for both of them. Their baby boy, Robert (Robbie), was their dream of a family come true. Bill and Judy always wanted a big family but were unable to have any other children naturally. To make a difference in childrens lives and grow their family they decided to become foster parents. They adopted 4 children from the foster care system. They continued to take in foster children for over 31 years and helped countless children. In 2013 they fully retired and moved in with Robbie and his family.

Some of Bill’s hobbies were shopping, raising puppies, and spending time with his Grandkids, (preferably with ice cream or sweets). Bill loved to shop at the flea market with his family. Bill always had a love for dogs and raised numerous puppies over the years. Bill loved spending time with his Grandkids, fishing, baking, telling stories and laughing.

In 2015, Bill and Judy celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage. They renewed their wedding vows in front of friends and family. There were many stories told and lots of laughs. After the passing of his bride of 54 years in 2019, Bill was heartbroken. He found comfort in connecting on facebook, shopping, his dog Angel, grandkids and ice cream.

After 77 years, 44 surgeries, and a wonderful life of defying the odds Bill is no longer in pain and is able to rest peacefully with his beloved wife and family. This is just a small portion of the beautiful life of Bill, beloved friend, Grandfather, and Dad, who was loved by many. Bill is survived by his 5 children and many Grandchildren and he loved dearly.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.