Hoyt B. Hurt, Major, USAF (Retired)
April 11, 1933 – April 01, 2015

Major Hoyt B. Hurt, USAF (Retired), 81, of Lake Park died Wednesday, April 1, 2015 after a lengthy period of declining health. He was born April 11, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois but had lived in Lowndes County for the better part of his life after retiring from a distinguished career in the United States Air Force.

A Command Pilot, Major Hurt was a decorated Rescue helicopter pilot who participated in life saving missions both at peacetime at home in the United States and abroad. He also flew over fifty combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict. He was an Elder in the Twin Lakes Presbyterian Church. His parents were the late Hoyt B. Hurt, Sr. and Gertrude Ester Hurt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Ann Hurley Hurt.

Major Hurt was a member of several organizations which included: The Valdosta Yacht Club (Past Commodore), member and certified Senior Race Officer in the United States Sailing Association, The Retired Officer’s Association, Gator Flight #58-Order of Daedalians, P.O.E.T.S., the Air Force Association, USAF Helicopter Pilots Association, the Pedro Rescue Helicopter Association, the Air Rescue Association, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, The Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Brotherhood, Veteran of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, The Silver Wings Fraternity and The Golden Strummers.

Survivors include his son, Hoyt B. Hurt, III of Lowndes County, his daughter and son in law, Terry Hurt Batdorf and Patrick Batdorf of Ft. Worth, TX., his three grandchildren; Melanie Taylor Batdorf, Patrick Samuel Batdorf and William Robert Batdorf.

The family will receive friends on Saturday beginning at 11am-12pm at the Twin Lakes Presbyterian Church with a memorial service to follow with Rev. John Akers officiating. A private burial will be held at Lake Park Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Twin Lakes Presbyterian Church or to the Presbyterian Home in Quitman, Georgia. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. McLane Lakewood Funeral Home of Lake Park.

~GUEST BOOK~

June 1, 2015
My 94 year old father, Lester J. Baer (Lt. Col, ret) was saddened to hear of Hoyt’s passing and asked me to extend his condolences. May your memories bring you strength. Holding you in our prayers.
~
Lester J. Baer

April 5, 2015
I flew with Hoyt when we were stationed in Valdosta Georgia with Det. 12 44th ARRS. He was undoubtedly the best pilot that I have ever had the pleasure of flying with, along with being a GREAT friend! My wife Glenda and I are devastated by this loss!
~
Bart Anderson

April 4, 2015
You will be missed, old friend. God bless you and your family.
~
Mike Hutton

April 3, 2015
Hoyt and Terri, We are so saddened to hear of Hoyt’s passing. He was a great friend and mentor for me during my USAF career-we flew together at Moody on many enjoyable flights. I will always remember Hoyt for his kindness and often humorous outlook on life and people. We will miss him very much.
~
Col.( Ret.) & Mrs. Roy Peacock

April 3, 2015
Hoyt, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~
Suzy Hall

April 3, 2015
Sorry to hear of Hoyt\’s passing. It was a pleasure to have him in our group STRUMMERS ACT TWO, for many years. He was such a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed.
~
Geri May

April 3, 2015
Hoyt, I was saddened to read that your father had passed. May GOD Bless you and your family during this difficult time.
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Jamie Register & Family

April 2, 2015
Mr. Hurt’s charming whit and cheery personality will missed! What a precious and humble man! It was an honor to have known him!
~
Gerry and Scarla Mulvey

April 2, 2015
So sorry for your loss, Mr. Hoyt was a patient of ours at Eye Associates where I work and I have known him for years. He was always such a happy, witty guy who always had jokes. He will be greatly missed.
~
Diane Aultman