Michael Ray Hurst

Mr. Michael Ray Hurst, age 66, of Lula, Georgia went to be with Jesus on  Friday, October 5, 2018, surrounded by his family.  Michael was born October 25, 1951 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to R.G. (Glen) Hurst and the late Sue Hurst.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 7, 2018 at Lakewood Baptist Church.  Dr. Tom Smiley will officiate.  The family will receive friends 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 7, 2018 at the church.

Michael is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jean; his daughter, Gretchen Sutton (Geoff); son, Scott Hurst; step-sons, Adam Thomas and Chris Thomas (Melissa); brother, Pat Hurst; sister, Janet Stanton (Steve); and “Poppy’s” five grandchildren, Stella, Holden, Breelan, JW and Braylee.

He was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from Farragut High School in 1969.  He received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Forestry from University of Tennessee in 1973 and Master’s Degree in Biology from Tennessee Tech in 1976.

Michael worked as a Wildlife Biologist for the United States Forest Service for 32 years, retiring in 2009.  In retirement he enjoyed travel, fishing and golfing and spending quality time with family and friends.

Michael loved the Lord and fought an incredibly courageous battle with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer for the last 16 months.  He was an active member of Lakewood Baptist Church serving in preschool and Vacation Bible School and also volunteering with Meals on Wheels for 20 years.

Special Thanks to Amedysis Hospice for the outstanding love and care for the last 16 days of Michael’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 430 Prior St SE, Gainesville, GA 30501 or Lakewood Baptist Church, 2235 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA  30501.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer sustained Michael and wife throughout his cancer journey.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia  30542 is in charge of arrangements.  Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.