URBANNA—Walter Boyd “Walt” Hurley Jr., 58, died Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at his home in Urbanna.
He is predeceased by his loving wife of 26 years, Ruth Ellen; and his father and mother, Walter Boyd Hurley Sr., and his wife, Margaret.
He is survived by his two daughters, Rachel Virginia and Sarah Grace; and one son, Walter Boyd III “Trip”; parents, Rachel Packett and W.D. Edwards Jr. of Saluda; a very dear sister, Donna Hurley (Dennis) Williams of Saluda; and sisters Susan Fowler of Urbanna and Lisa Foster of Locust Hill; two brothers-in-law, William D. (Jennifer) Edwards III of Warner and James R. (Rebecca) Edwards of Saluda; a niece, Kaitlin; and five nephews, Michael, Marshall, Randy, Andy and Quincy Edwards; five grandnieces, Sadie Vance, Ruth Ellen Christian “Rece,” Anne Roberts, Lacey Paige and Ava James Edwards; one grandnephew, Jacob Edwards; Bitsy Bristow and the late Charles Bristow.
He attended Christchurch School and Randolph Macon Military Academy, and graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s in history in 1981. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Lambda Sigma Chapter.
Growing up in Urbanna, Walt spent his childhood at the family marina and became proficient in boating at a very young age. His family has deep roots in Urbanna in many different industries and he was very proud to come home and spend his life giving back to the community from which he came. He served his community as an integral member of the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, Urbanna Masonic Lodge and also served on the board of directors for Colonial Virginia Bank.
He enjoyed attending various worship services throughout the community. As a member of the Ocean City Light Tackle Club, he enjoyed taking time off to travel with Ruth Ellen and friends. Some of his greatest offshore fishing adventures included Guatemala, Mexico and Panama, to name a few.
When it came to business, he was a visionary in the field of outdoor recreation and campground management. With humble dedication and creativity, he built a thriving business from the ground up. He strove to take advantage of every opportunity and instilled in his children the same attitude towards life.
One of his greatest business accomplishments was having Bethpage Camp-Resort in Urbanna named Mega Park of the Year three times by IAAPA. Other business associations that he was a member of include ARVC and the Virginia Campground Association. He will be remembered for his passion for the preservation and restoration of history, evident through his dedication to Hewick Plantation, love of friends, the river, his dogs, Rudy, Willie, Lilly Belle and his faithful companion, Sam.
Although his work endeavors were many, he remained steadfast in his love for and dedication to his family. A celebration of his life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at Saluda Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: RE Strong, P.O. Box 178, Urbanna, VA 23175.
