2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 134
Celebrating the life of Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 13, 2026
WHEREAS, Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr., an esteemed funeral director and businessman, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and beloved member of the Richlands community, died on March 6, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Eugene “Gene” Hurst graduated from Richlands High School in 1959 and Emory and Henry University four years later; he then followed in his father's footsteps, graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and becoming a funeral director; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst dedicated his career to serving his community as the owner and operator of Hurst-Scott Funeral Homes in Richlands and Tazewell, and the love and compassion he showed to families in their most difficult moments made a positive and lasting impact on countless lives; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst served the country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States National Guard in Richlands; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst was notably the longest active member of both the Tazewell County Country Club and the Richlands Lions Club at the time of his passing; and
WHEREAS, Gene Hurst supported his industry and fellow funeral directors as a member of the Southwest Virginia Funeral Directors Association and promoted the growth and development of Richlands as a member of the Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce; and