William (Bill) Addison Hurst

William Addison Hurst (Bill) died Thursday, January 5. A lifelong resident of Masonboro Sound, he was born on September 27, 1935 along with his twin sister, Betsy. He was predeceased by his parents, Adrian and Betty Hewlett Hurst and sisters, Betsy Hurst Lake and Margaret Hurst Clyburn.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lillian Williamson Hurst, a stepson, James Hall and wife Nancy and their two daughters, Andrea Armistead, her husband Dan and children Harrison and Bailey; Melinda Hall and her husband, Brooks Westbrook.  He is also survived by a daughter, Susan Hurst Alford, and husband, Jack Alford as well as a sister, Patsy Hurst West and her husband, Eddie, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.

Bill loved fishing the waters of Masonboro Sound and Hewlett’s Creek. He was a master craftsman, building boats not only for himself but for others. He was also a master of the lost art of net making. He was featured in an article in the November 2014 issue of Wrightsville Beach magazine intitled “Endangered Species, Bill Hurst’s Hewlett’s Creek”. Additionally, he loved gardening and sharing vegetables with others.

Bill loved to tell stories some of which he wrote about in Growing Up On Masonboro Sound. A perpetual student of theology, the Bible and history, Bill often enjoyed reciting long poems from memory.

A lifelong member of Masonboro Baptist Church, he taught the Addison Hewlett Sunday School class for many years. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Masonboro Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Masonboro Baptist Church.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com