Franklin Marion Hurst age 80, of Hot Springs, AR died on August 8th, 2023. He was attended by his wife Alessandra and his daughter Dr. Katharine L. Hurst when he took his last breath in the family home where they shared their lives together.
He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas June 22nd, 1943 to William and Lille Hurst. He graduated from Hot Springs High School one year ahead of his peers as one of the Valedictorians of the class of 1960. He attended Southwestern at Memphis, now known as Rhodes College, and graduated from Henderson with a Bachelor of Science.
In his Junior year, while studying abroad at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, Franklin traveled extensively throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, before ending in Italy. It was during the Christmas Holiday at the train station in Rome, that he met Alessandra, his future bride of 60 years. After returning to the states to complete his studies, he returned a year later to marry the love of his life. In 1962, the young couple were married in Bassano del Grappa, Italy before returning to begin their lives in America.
During his life he worked as a science teacher at Southwest Junior High School and later joined his father’s firm W. F. Hurst and Son Inc. He worked as a tax consultant and later owner and chief advisor of the company. Franklin pioneered a desktop computer in 1968, creating his own computer code to revolutionize the automated tax return.
He was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband, and extremely dedicated to the welfare of his clients. He passed on his love of travel to his children and grandchildren by taking them to Europe and road trips around America. He encouraged and helped them to achieve their highest level of education according to their passions. He was most proud of providing opportunities for many young people, particularly those interested in classical music.
Franklin is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Calvin Hurst, his sister Alice Mertz, and his daughter Rolanda. He is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews, his sister Dorothy Ridgway, his wife Alessandra Hurst, his daughter Katharine Hurst, and his two granddaughters Sophie and Sarah Rudder.
The Rosary will be at Gross Funeral Home Tuesday, August 15th at 4:30 PM followed by visitation at 5 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Mary of the Springs Catholic Church at 2 pm, Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to either The Noble Elements, a scholarship fund for summer camps at Mid America Science Museum, or Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Food pantry 100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR, 71901..
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grossfuneralhome.com for the Hurst family.
