Ray Anthony Hurd

Ray Anthony Hurd was born on July 15, 1950 in Mobile, to the union of Lee Dennis (Pat) and Christine Peoples (Nee) Hurd. He spent his early years in New York City (Harlem). From NYC Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 1971-1974. Upon completion of Basic Training, he was assigned to HHD, 96th Military Police Battalion as a 94B, Food Service Specialist. His work ethics and dedication earned him promotion to Specialist. He completed Airborne Ranger Training earning an Airborne and Sharpshooter Rifle Badge.

He completed an overseas assignment in Okinawa, Japan and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Specialist Ray Hurd was honorably discharged in May 1974 after three years of faithful service to his country. 

Ray was a true servant leader. He also developed a love for cooking and the outdoors. A quiet man with a gentle demeanor, he was full of life and always willing to help those in need.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory the love of his life, Dolfinette L. Hurd; stepdaughter , Aurillia ( James Keith Ezell)Thames of Jackson,AL; grandson, Tyrese Konik Jones of Jackson, AL; five siblings, Brenda Emery of Brooklyn, N.Y., Harry T.P. Penn (Elzina) of Central Islip, N.Y., Geneva Anderson (Willie) of Killeen, Texas, Brewster Hurd of Charlotte, N.C., and Michael Hurd (Bea) of the Bronx, NY; brother and sister in laws; Lenard ( Linda) Thames of Chestnut, AL, Eva Thames White of Excel, AL, Leaundre Thames of Alpharetta, Ga; Special friends, Sharon Reginald Robinson) Thames of Jackson,AL ,Leonard Thames of Jackson,AL, Bronical Thames of Covington, Ga, Sharon Reginald Robinson) Thames of Jackson, AL, Terrol Thames  and Rev. Randy ( Crystal ) Thames of Zachary, La; Special friends, Fredrick "Jipp" Williams of Jackson, AL, and Oarish Daily of Mobile, AL ;  with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his loving father and mother and three sisters, Clarice (Pasty Ann) Hurd, Janice (Candy) Hurd and Bernadette (Lassie) Gaskins.

Public viewing will be Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 1 until 5 p.m., at Jackson Memorial Funeral Home, 203 East Ross St., Jackson. Interment will be Wednesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m., at the Alabama State Veteran Memorial Garden Cemetery at Spanish Fort, 34904 State Highway 225, Spanish Fort, AL 36527

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