Jack Switzer Hurley ’53

Jack Switzer Hurley ’53, of Bluefield, Va., lost his courageous battle with cancer on July 31 at his home surrounded by his family. Born Aug. 20, 1932, in Pocahontas, Va., he was the son of the late John Bogle Hurley and Norine Hutson Hurley. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Rupert Bogle Hurley and Macon Warner Hurley; and his nephew, John Patrick Hurley. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary “Mary D” Langhorne Hurley, 112 Penn St., Bluefield, VA 24605; his five children, Beverly Hurley Friedberg (Bob), Rebecca Hurley Mercke (Roger), Jack Switzer Hurley, Jr. ’83 (Julie), John Langhorne Hurley (Katie), and Mary Dabney “Dee” Hurley (Chris); his 15 grandchildren, Brett, Michelle, and Lauren Friedberg, Jim (Shea), Jay, Bill, and Beth Mercke, Hannah and Chandler Hurley, Heather, Luke, and Lucy Hurley, and Nick, Sam, and Abby Shoemaker; one great-granddaughter, Anna Leigh Mercke; nieces and nephews, Martha Hurley Butt (Wilson), Teresa Turley Hurley, Isabel Hurley Ball (Bill), Bo Hurley (Bobbi), Dorset Hurley (Marex), Dewey Hurley (Mary), and Warner Hurley; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Hurley attended Davidson and graduated from Union College (Ky.) in 1953. In 1957, he graduated from the Medical College of Virginia Dental School. After serving his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Syracuse, N.Y., from 1957-59, he started practicing general dentistry. In 1960, Hurley opened his private practice at in Bluefield, Va. After practicing dentistry for 35 years, with his assistant of 35 years, Ms. Daralene Plaster, he retired due to health reasons. Being a part of the dental profession was a very special and valuable part of his life. He treated every patient with the dedication, integrity, and commitment of a true professional. Family was the heart and soul of his life. His love, sense of justice, patriotism, and remarkable sense of humor will live on in everyone whose life he touched.