Gilbert Wayne Hurst Sr.

He was the youngest of six children and preceded in death by his mother and father and his wife Helen Marie Darnell Hurst, Brothers; Albert Linwood “AL” Hurst, Jr., Raebourne “Bill” Brown Hurst, Kenneth Hurst, and Sisters; Helen Hale Hurst Trivette, and Louise Hurst Longworth. And loving friend Dot Rickert.

He is survived by Gilbert “Gil” Wayne Hurst, Jr. (Linda), Douglas Edwin Hurst (Theresa), Donald Jeffery Hurst (Lauren), and John Timothy Hurst (Eliza). Grandsons Michael Hurst (Alison), Ben Hurst, Sam Hurst, and Great Grand Daughter Cora Hurst. And special friends Donnie and Darlene Schmidt and their family.

Even though he was too young to join the armed forces in World War II, Wayne followed troop movements and especially developed a keen interest in the use of airplanes and the men that flew them. His room was filled with models hanging from the ceiling, walls decorated with silhouettes and scrapbooks identifying the various flying machines, friend, or foe.

In his teen years he met a lovely, red-haired girl, Helen Darnell. They fell in love and married in 1950.

With his two loves, Helen, and airplanes, he joined the newly created US Airforce. In 1952, at basic training at Lackland Air base in San Antonio, TX, he distinguished himself again and again. He was sent to South Korea and helped to set up an operational air traffic control radar facility to aid the many airplanes used in the war.

In 1954, while stationed in Colorado, the first of four sons was born, Gil. 1956, he ended his service with an honorable discharge. Before service and after he worked for Piedmont Airlines as a Pilot and later as a dispatcher.  He achieved his private pilot’s license after coming home knowing from a young age that airplanes would become a large part of his life, he worked his way up through many jobs at Piedmont. He fueled and maintained airplanes on the line, worked his way up to ticket/station agent, dispatch, then as first officer on commercial flights as he gained his multi-engine and commercial ratings.

In 1959 and 1960 two more sons came along Doug and Don. A growing family brought along more responsibility and Wayne responded. Although a high school graduate and a graduate of “the school of hard knocks,” he was always learning and training, becoming a highly skilled dispatcher, and pilot. He took on many small side jobs, flying for individuals, companies and causes which earned a good living. He was instilled early on with an amazing study and work ethic and always strove to improve himself.

First Office on a major airline came with its challenges. He would come back home with tales of close calls, minor goofs and had become close friends with many of the captains and associates. There were wholesale escapades and shenanigans that would lead to a life full of color, adventure, and fun.

He was, however, a family man and a father that after layovers at many locations in the Midwest, Southeast and South would return with stories and presents for his wife and children. The early “70’s” changed life drastically for Wayne and family. After experiencing a freak, mid-air mishap that hospitalized him in November 1972, and even before that happened, he began to become more introspective and spiritual. A close friend, and flying companion, Grant Jefferies, talked to him about his need for a Savior, Jesus Christ and dad felt the tug at his heart and responded to the call from his Lord. With many things going on in his life, he gladly gave Jesus the King the throne of his heart.

Wayne felt a call to full time Christian service and ministry. He investigated different avenues that might include aviation. He “landed” so to speak a position at Piedmont Bible College in Winston-Salem as an instructor in charge of mission aviation. He created a fledgling program that trained men to fly into remote areas of the world. He enjoyed this position and helped the college to fulfill their need. He resigned his job with Piedmont to take on this next endeavor and he remained in good standing with his old company and bosses. All the time, he was looking for ways to advance the Kingdom of Christ. His favorite verse from the bible, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5 & 6) This led his life and he spoke to people, friends, and strangers alike about their need for Jesus. This was from his genuine love and concern for them. He also genuinely loved and cared for his family and friends and prayed for them daily.

When Helen became ill, he stood faithfully by her side until her death in 2012. She requested of Wayne, who was 80 years old by now, that he should find another good woman before she died. The Lord brought Dot Rickert into his life. She also became a significant part of his story but also passed in 2021. He went through a transition from independent, to semi-independent to assisted living in his final years. The attentiveness and good people of Brookdale Assisted living on Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem made his transition and passing more comfortable.

There will be funeral service at 1:00pm on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Don Schmidt officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Hayworth Miller Silas Creek Chapel.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to City Lights Ministry, 1600 Williamson Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, or Compassion Care Center / Bonnie’s House, 321 W. Main Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055.