Mr. Horace A. Hurst, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at Grandview Manor surrounded by his family. Born on December 9, 1939, in Macon County, he was the son of the late Henry and Frances Hurst.

Horace was a devoted member of Watauga Baptist Church for many years, where he faithfully served as a deacon. His quiet strength, steady presence, and willingness to lend a hand made him a cherished part of the church community.

In his younger years, Horace worked with Caterpillar, where he enjoyed assisting with electrical work and took pride in every task he completed. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially mowing. He was known to ride his mower down the road to visit family, a small gesture that reflected his love for staying connected with those he cared about.

Family was at the center of Horace’s life. He adored his loved ones deeply, and his one and only grandson, Colby, held a special place in his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Doris “Deanie” Hurst, who passed in 2020; his son, Derrick Hurst; and his siblings, Betty Moore, Bill Hurst, and Herb Hurst.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter in law, Rhonda Hurst; his brother, Dennis Hurst; his grandson, Colby Hurst; and many extended family members who will remember him with love and gratitude.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Watauga Baptist Church with Reverends Danny Cannon, Roy Lowe, Dr. Wesley Price, and Thomas James officiating. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. until the service time. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jim Hedden, Ray Sanders, Delbert Clouse, Mark Berry, Tommy Curtis, and Dennis Martin. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Max Gladwell, Mike Buchanan, Norman Baker and Dwight Cassada. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Watauga Baptist Church Mission Fund, PO Box 2022, Franklin, NC 28744, Gideons International, P.O. Box 372, Franklin, NC 28744, or 4 Seasons Hospice Foundation Angel Fund, https://fourseasonsfdn.org/how-gifts-help/angel-fund/.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.