CLAYTON - Earl James Hurd, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in the care of Milford Center surrounded by loved ones.
Born on Jan. 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Earl J. Hurd, Sr. and Elizabeth (Burrows) Hurd.
Sonny, affectionately known by many, was a lifelong resident of Clayton. He enjoyed going fishing, was an avid hunter, and loved working in his woodshop making wooden pieces for family and friends.
Earl was a jack-of-all-trades. He worked hard as a lifetime farmer, dabbled in trapping, and crabbing, was employed at Globe Battery Division in Middletown, and at W. L. Wheatly and later Hanover Foods in Clayton. Earl also loved working in his garden, was very proud of the large sweet potatoes and asparagus crops that he produced.
Earl attended Free Will Baptist Church in Townsend. He will always be remembered as a devoted father, loving pop-pop, and friend. His warm smile and sparkling eyes touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Earl has left behind, his loving wife of 62 years, Jane; and sister, Betty Godley; along with his five children, Brenda Ebling of Townsend, Donna Hite of Bushnell, Fla., Mary Ingersoll of Magnolia, Bonnie Pinder of Morganton, N.C., and E.J. Hurd of Clayton; 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Friends may visit with Earl's family on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 South Main Street in Smyrna. Funeral services will begin Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Burial will follow at Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover.
On behalf of Earl's family, they would like to offer a special thank you to Delaware Hospice and to Milford Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 South DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19904.
Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com