Arthur James Hurley

Arthur James "AJ" Hurley of Asheboro passed away on March 20, 2010 after 16 months of failing health. Arthur was born into the large, loving family of Randall and Tero Hurley on July 1, 1925 in the southwestern area of Randolph County. Surrounded by his parents and brothers and sisters, he learned the importance of family, the necessity of hard work and the value and happiness both bring to life. As a young man, Arthur proudly served our country in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. This was a period of his life Arthur didn't talk much about for a very long time.but in later years, he enjoyed spending time with his military friends at their reunions. After WWII, Arthur returned to Randolph County. It was here - home - that he met and fell in love with Ruth Luther. They married in 1948 and had two sons. When Ruth's health began to fail, Arthur took on the lead role and became a selfless and tireless caregiver for her. There is nothing he wouldn't have done for her, and he, along with his family and some wonderful caregivers, took care of her - quietly, tenderly and without complaint. Anyone could see the love there between them during what was a difficult time, love and care between them just as it had always been. The Hurley home was the place many of their sons' friends treated as a second home. Arthur and Ruth may have had two sons, but they had many additional "children" who were family friends. Arthur had a love of the outdoors and he taught his sons and many of their friends to appreciate all that the outdoors had to offer. They all spent time outside together - working, hunting and fishing. He invested time in his children, instilling values by living them. He spent the majority of his career, over 43 years, with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He had a humble pride about the contributions he made at NCDOT, and he wore his service pins regularly. After retirement, Arthur spent time raising gardens, working in his shop, traveling a little with Ruth along with family and friends and fixing small engines. Arthur was an active member at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, where he served for a time as a deacon and taught Sunday school. Arthur loved people. He loved talking to people, "sharing good groceries" and just being around people. He really loved the simple things, and people really loved him. Arthur is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Sherrell and Lynda Hurley of Asheboro, son and daughter-in-law, Linney and Angela Hurley of Apex; brother and sister-in-law, Eugene Clyatt and Clarice Hurley, brother and sister-in-law, David and Minnie Jo Hurley, sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Graham Scott, sister and brother-in-law, Maxilee and JP Callicut, sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Ernest Shaw, sister-in-law, Erie Honney, all of Asheboro; brother and sister-in-law, Dempsey and Alberta Hurley, of Wilmington; and so many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; brothers Ted Honney and JT Hurley; and sisters, Tula Hurley, Kathleen Bean, Melva Hurley and Onnie Callicut. The children would like to thank the friends and family who so faithfully and frequently visited Arthur the last 16 months, and would like to thank all the very special people who served as his wonderful caregivers. In addition, the family would like to thank Hospice of Randolph County, who helped Arthur. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 21 from 6 - 8pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 2:00pm at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 7811 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd., Asheboro with Rev. Garland Hall, Rev. Joe Edwards and Rev. Wyatt Hoogkamp officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Randolph County, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203 Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com