Oscar Hurley
Oscar T. Hurley, 97, of Chattanooga, passed on Thursday, April 21, 2016 in the care of Hospice with family at his bedside after a brief illness.
Born on July 18, 1918 to the late Oscar and Florence Hurley in Cottage Grove, Il., he was preceded in death by his brothers, Berry and Bob, and sisters, Lorene and Kay.
He attended several trade schools and worked in Illinois before volunteering to serve in the Navy during World War II, which took him to the South Pacific among other places. After the war, he was attracted to Chattanooga mainly due to the fact that his sweetheart, Frances Mazanek, had already moved there. They married in March, 1946, and were together for 68 years. He completed a long career in engineering as a partner at Southern Cellulose (Alton Park), where he retired in 1983.
He was a charter member of the Key Class at First Christian Church, which he joined in 1945. With a knack for fixing just about anything, everyone from friends and family to fellow members of his church came to him for help and advice. He was admired for his servant’s heart and willingness to help wherever and however needed. Oscar also had a gift and a passion for gardening, maintaining a sizeable garden at his residence for most of his life. His family especially loved his tomatoes.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Frances Hurley, in the summer of 2014.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann Hurley (son-in-law Dr. William Johnson), and son, John R. Hurley. His grandchildren include Ross Hurley, Clay Hurley, Matthew Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Meredith Bondurant (John David), Leslie Dulay (Ed), and Megan Stevens (Chris). He was known as D-Dad to eight great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, at the East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, with the Reverend Phil Summerlin and Dr. John Holcombe officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 24, from 1:30-3 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 650 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403 or to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416.
Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.
Oscar Hurley