Ernest Price Hurst

Ernest Price Hurst Jr., age 44, of Hiram, GA passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2013. Funeral Services will be held 11am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Matt Petty officiating. Private burial will follow at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6pm-8pm at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the College Fund for Aaron and Tristan Hurst at any BB&T branch, at the visitation or service, or mailed to BB&T 3620 Tramore Pointe Pkwy, Austell, GA 30106.

Ernie was born at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California to parents Nancy and Ernest Hurst. He grew up in both Texas and Georgia with his older sister, Jessica, and younger brother, Rob. Growing up, his siblings describe Ernie as their “protector” . . . and occasional “tormentor”. Those who knew Ernie as an adult will not be surprised to hear that as a child he got into his share of trouble - like the time he shaved a Mohawk on his younger brother’s head– all done with his trademark grin and mischievous giggle. Ernie was very athletic and active as a child; he loved playing Pop Warner football (Go Mustangs), BMX biking and wrestling. Ernie also had an artistic side – belting out “Mr. Bojangles” from on top of the dining room table.

Ernie graduated with the Class of ‘88 from Berkmar High School in Lilburn, GA, where he was a “wrestling machine” and earned a varsity letter in the sport. Although a “tough guy”, Ernie was well known for speaking up and taking care of others. Following high school, Ernie worked for a while before joining the military. Ernie served in the Navy for 4 years and was stationed in Maine with VP-23 and traveled overseas before finishing his obligation on Diego Garcia. Ernie’s natural leadership, attitude for electronics, and goal driven nature were a great match for the Navy and he thrived reaching the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. He toyed with the idea of enrolling in the Navy Seal program . . . but then, he met a girl and fell in love.

Ernie married Trisha Anderson in 1994; their son, Aaron, was born in 2000 and their second son, Tristan, was born in 2003. Ernie was a very loving, supportive and sweet natured husband. They enjoyed many adventures: river rafting, skiing, deep sea fishing, zip lining, and most recently the Warrior Dash. Their most rewarding adventure, however, was enjoying the antics of their amazing children. Ernie was a natural father – fun-loving, a prankster, and good at teaching the kids how to do things – from how to bait a hook (and Ernie loved to fish) to how to ride a bike. He also shared his love of wrestling and Judo with his boys and was there to lend a helping hand in either sport. He was a green belt Judo student at McCleary Martial Arts Center. His family is very proud of him.

Ernie leaves a loving family; his wife, Trisha Hurst and his sons, Aaron and Tristan Hurst; mother, Nancy ; father, Ernest Hurst, Sr.; sister, Jessica Bridges and her children Garland and Carter; brother, Rob Hurst; grandmother, Bessie Jo Boggus and a legion of friends and neighbors who loved and admired him.