W. C. “Bill” Hurd

HILTON HEAD ISLAND - Wilbert C. “Bill” Hurd passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at his home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, at the age of 97. Bill was born on October 21, 1925, in Upland, PA, to parents Wilbert and Gladys Hurd. He was the oldest of four siblings.

Bill’s family moved multiple times during his youth, finally settling in Dayton, Ohio. Bill attended Fairview High School where he met the love of his life, Suzanne C. “Sue” Johnson. It was also in Dayton where Bill held what he described as “the best job in the world” as a lifeguard at the National Cash Register international corporate headquarters swimming pool.

Bill was a WWII veteran having joined the US Navy after graduation from high school. He returned from the war, married Sue, and enrolled at Ohio State University. Upon graduation, Bill entered the life insurance business as an agent for the Equitable Life Assurance Society.

Bill and Sue moved to Akron, Ohio, where Bill enjoyed a very successful career as an agent for the Equitable. It was there that Bill and Sue raised their two children, Cindy, and Joe.

Bill retired in 1980 at which time he and Sue moved to Hilton Head Island where Bill actively pursued his passion for golf for more than 40 years. He belonged to numerous golf clubs and developed many lifelong friendships through his enjoyment of the game.

Bill and Sue enjoyed much travel around the world. They were also loyal alumni of Ohio State University and avid supporters of the Buckeyes’ football program.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jane Albright. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Cynthia Hurd Abell.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of more than 75 years, Suzanne. Remarkably, they never spent more than 72 consecutive hours apart during their long and happy marriage. Bill is also survived by his son, Joseph Hurd (Amis), his sister Nancy Pillichody and his sister Marilyn Vanderpool. He is further survived by his three grandchildren, Kelly Abell O’Shea (Brendan), Patrick Abell (Stephanie) and Zina Hurd Hottovy (John). He will be missed by his six great-grandchildren: Bobby, Tommy & Danny O’Shea, Ryan & Annie Abell and JJ Hottovy. Bill also had many nieces and nephews of whom he was most fond.

The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to Marilyn Vanderpool, Bill’s sister, for her love and help these past many years and to Scott Abell, Bill’s son-in-law, for the same. The family is also grateful to the staff of Cypress Home Health Care for their caring help.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life remembrance will take place at a future date.