Fletcher Hurst Jr.

With quiet strength, Fletcher June Hurst, Jr. lived life in service to others with warmth, kindness and caring. Above all, he was a hard and dedicated worker who lovingly provided for his family, and wholeheartedly dedicated his life to them. Never one to judge others, he was also a friend to many. A true country boy at heart, his concern for others and patience was unmatched. Although he could be a bit stubborn at times, he held strong to his convictions and beliefs. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. The year 1938 overflowed with mixed blessings in America. While the U.S had come a long way since the early days of the Great Depression, times continued to be a struggle as Americans slowly regained economic strength. Everyday people found relief from their everyday worries while enjoying the sounds of Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald and the Andrew Sisters. Superman made his debut in the comic strips that year, but the year also included U.S. dependency on Saudi Arabian oil fields that would last for years to come. Far removed from the chaos in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Fletcher and Zilla (Husky) Hurst, Sr. were anticipating the birth of their first child. Born in a small community in the Tennessee River Valley in Sevierville, Tennessee, Fletcher Hurst, Jr. was lovingly welcomed on July 26, 1938. Fletcher began his early years on the family farm where his father worked hard to provide for his family. His mother, a homemaker, looked after Fletcher and his younger siblings, Donald and Virginia. Although Fletcher had his share of childhood antics and adventures, farm life had its share of struggles as well. Fletchers family moved about quite frequently before they began living with his Aunt Clor and Uncle Willie Fletcher. Learning how to fish at a young age, Fletcher grew to enjoy fishing and did so at every opportunity, especially at Douglas Dam. He began his early education attending the local schools but left school in the 8th grade to help his family out financially. Even still, Fletcher pursued learning on his own and taught himself how to read. Venturing out on his own, Fletcher made his way north and settled in Michigan. At the age of 16, Fletcher, nicknamed June, acquired his first job in a factory. In time he began working as a paint sprayer in Detroit for Ford Motor Company where he remained for the next 32 years before retiring in 2001. Besides work, Fletcher enjoyed bowling and continued to do so until he was 70. He liked the many friendships he made at the lanes and was especially proud of his 185 lifetime average game. There was one friendship that was particularly special to Fletcher. He met a pretty girl while bowling named Gloria Baker and they soon became friends. Over time, Fletcher and Glorias friendship grew into love and they were eventually united in marriage on June 10, 1988. Fletcher could not have been happier. He also welcomed Glorias three children into his heart with open arms. Roxanna, Ronda and Ronald brought Fletcher much joy. Patient and kind, he was always there for them and treated them as his own. He was indeed a wonderful father figure to them their whole lives through. Fletcher occasionally attended Hope Reformed Church but was usually content spending weekend mornings with his cup of coffee. Family meant everything to Fletcher. Holidays were especially exciting because Fletcher made them so special for everyone. He loved Christmas and trimming the Christmas tree in the company of his beloved family. They enjoyed traveling to the Upper Peninsula and camping, too. Memorable times were also spent at their cottage in Baldwin. Fletcher was truly blessed when grandchildren came along and was an active part of their lives. He could never tell his granddaughters no, and doted on them at every opportunity. He was sure to be at his grandchildrens school activities and special memories were made going camping on Halloween, and trick-or-treating in Saginaw Bay was always a delight. Wonderful times were frequently shared whenever Fletcher took his grandkids fishing. Fletcher had a soft spot in his heart for animals and the family always had a pet or two throughout the years. It was a treat when Fletcher could attend a Detroit Tigers baseball game, and he loved watching baseball and football on TV, and usually with a nice cold beer in his hand. With his love for baseball, Fletcher had acquired a few priceless baseball caps, and was known for always wearing his suspenders and blue pants. An avid lottery player, Fletcher often enjoyed playing the Lotto games, and even won a few dollars a time or two. Most important to Fletcher was his family and being with them, but he and Gloria did take a few trips over the years to Florida and visited his home state of Tennessee on several occasions where they took in some great fishing. The love of family was the driving force in Fletchers life. Patient and caring, he never asked for much, if anything. Although he could be a tad stubborn at times, Fletcher was never judgmental and always carried a warmth about him that will be long remembered. His joy was found in making sure that everyone was taken care of and that their needs were being met, and always before his own. A devoted husband, dedicated father and loving grandfather, Fletcher June Hurst, Jr. will be sadly missed and remembered in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Fletcher "June" Hurst, Jr., age 70, died Wednesday, January 6, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; stepchildren, Roxanna (Wayne) Yager and Ronda D'Oyly, both of Grand Haven, and Ronald (Robin) Holliday of Morley; grandchildren, Amber D'Oyly, Heather D'Oyly, Autumn Holliday, Hailey Holliday, Natalie Holliday, Isaiah Yager, and Micah Yager; brother, Donald (Barb) Hurst of White Cloud, sister-in-law, Grace DeKorver of Jenison; brother-in-law, Rev. Floyd (Irene) Baker of Indiana; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Virginia Baker. SERVICE: Monday, January 11, 2010, 11:00 AM at Hope Reformed Church of Grand Haven with Rev. Tim Taylor officiating. VISITATION: Sunday, 3-6 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Grand Haven. MEMORIAL: Hope Reformed Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign his online guest book.