2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26109440D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 401

Offered March 11, 2026

Celebrating the life of Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr.

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Patron—Morefield

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WHEREAS, Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr., an esteemed funeral director and businessman, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and beloved member of the Richlands community, died on March 6, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Eugene “Gene” Hamilton Hurst, Jr., graduated from Richlands High School in 1959 and Emory & Henry University four years later; he then followed in his father's footsteps, graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and becoming a funeral director; and

WHEREAS, Gene Hurst dedicated his career to serving his community as the owner and operator of Hurst-Scott Funeral Homes in Richlands and Tazewell, and the love and compassion he showed to families in their most difficult moments made a positive and lasting impact on countless lives; and

WHEREAS, Gene Hurst served the country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States National Guard in Richlands; and

WHEREAS, Gene Hurst was notably the longest active member of both the Tazewell County Country Club and the Richlands Lions Club at the time of his passing; and

WHEREAS, Gene Hurst supported his industry and fellow funeral directors as a member of the Southwest Virginia Funeral Directors Association and promoted the growth and development of Richlands as a member of the Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Gene Hurst was a proud member of a number of local community organizations, including the American Legion and the Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, where he was a member for more than 53 years; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Gene Hurst enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Richlands First Methodist Church, where he served as a member of the St. Thomas Sunday school class, adult choir, and men's breakfast and in other leadership positions; and

WHEREAS, Gene Hurst will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Martha; his children, Jill, Gregory, and Jeffrey, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr., a treasured member of the Richlands community whose legacy of faith, service, and dedication will forever inspire all who knew him; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.