Norton W. Hurd

Norton Warren Hurd, 104, of Deltaville passed away at home on Friday January 8, 2021. Norton was born on September 15, 1916. Norton was a star athlete in baseball, basketball, and tennis at Lynchburg College. He graduated in 1938 and was inducted into the Lynchburg College Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Hurd taught and coached at Amelia High School until August 1941, when he enlisted in the US Navy. Following being a flight instructor, Lt. Hurd flew dive bombing and fighter missions in the Pacific from the USS Wasp and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He returned to Deltaville and started Hurd's Home Appliances, which became Hurd's Hardware. Norton was beloved by the community, visitors, and customers, making everyone feel welcome with his warmth, wit, and willingness to help. Norton was a dedicated community leader, helping found the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department, Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad, Deltaville Community Association, and Middlesex County Lions Club. Norton served Philippi Christian Church as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and board chairman. He served on the Board of Bank of Middlesex and was a past chairman of First Virginia Bank, Middle Peninsula. Norton played baseball for the Deltaville Deltas for three decades and was a “hit” at the Old Timers ball games. Regarding golf, he said it got easier to shoot his age the closer he got to 100. Norton was beloved by Hurd's Hardware staff and customers, working up to age 101. Norton's heroism and service were read into the Congressional record in 2006. He received numerous acknowledgements in Middlesex, and is one of only two persons awarded the University of Lynchburg's community service “Beacon of Excellence” award. Norton will be remembered for his kindness, charity, service, wit, and as a wonderful person. He was predeceased by his parents, Jesse Hurd and Mabel Norton Hurd. He is survived by his children, Myra Hurd Wall, Jack Hurd (Denise), Michael Hurd (Beth); grandchildren, Amy (Holly White), Jon Hurd (Katy), Madeline Hurd, and Carter Hurd; great-grandchildren, Maggie Hurd and Henry Hurd. Graveside services only will be held at Philippi Memorial Gardens on Ballpark Road in Deltaville on Thursday January 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department or the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad. Please be advised that current statemandated guidelines will apply to all in attendance, including social distancing and appropriate face coverings.

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