Austin Dunlap Hurt

Austin Dunlap Hurt, of Salem, born on September 28, 1922, completed his earthly labors on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at the age of 89. He was predeceased by his parents, Garwood B. Hurt, Sr. and Jessie May Law; brothers, Francis Lee Hurt and Garwood B. Hurt, Jr.; sister, Elizabeth Hurt Watt Joyner; and daughter, Margaret Jean (Peggy) Hurt Henahan. His formal education was received at Fort Lewis Elementary School, Andrew Lewis High School, and the Citadel in Charleston where he was born and lived until World War II. From 1929 until 1948, he spent his formative years in the Glenvar area on his parents farm known as Pleasant Grove. From 1951 until 1961, he conducted business in the Roanoke-Salem area as a real estate salesman, broker, builder, land developer, construction designer, appraiser, and inspector. From 1961 until November 30, 1985, he was in Federal Civil Service with the Federal Housing Administration, later incorporated into the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. He served in various capacities in Washington, DC, Tampa, Miami, and finally in Jacksonville where he retired. He returned to the Roanoke-Salem area in December of 2001 and was actively involved in Masonic work of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, served as Chaplain for Melrose Masonic Lodge #139 for two years, Taylor Masonic Lodge #23 for three years, Worshipful Master of Webber High Twelve Masonic Lodge #282, and Senior Warden of Boone Masonic Lodge #247. He conducted Masonic burial rites for numerous brethren throughout Southwest Virginia. He held life membership in perpetuity in these four lodges as well as in the D.C. Shanks Royal Arch Chapter #31 where he served as High Priest. He was an honorary member of Bedford Royal Arch Chapter #60 and Assistant District Lecturer for Royal Arch Masons. He served as Commander of Bayard Commandery #15, Knights Templar, and was a life member of the Salem Educational Foundation. He was a 32? Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, member of Fort Andrew Lewis Council #81 Knight Masons, Wilderness Road York Rite College #94, and Alpha Star Council #71 Allied Masonic Degrees. He is survived by four of his five children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one great grandchild. A period of visitation will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A graveside service will take place on Friday, July 20, 2012 at 12 Noon at East Hill Cemetery in Salem near ancestral relatives and his parents. Rev. Morris Bennett will officiate. Masonic burial rites will be performed and attended by members of Melrose, Taylor, Boone, and Webber High Twelve Masonic Lodges. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jobs Daughters International, Bethel Guardian, Attn. Melissa Cornett, 2701 Hillbrook Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018. The Hurt family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.