Robert Davis Hurley

Born on August 28, 1941 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Colonel Hurley was the son of the late James Austin Hurley Sr. & Martha Davis Hurley. He graduated from Fairforest High School in 1959 before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in 1964. He later advanced his military education by graduating from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College, U.S. Army War College and earning a Master’s degree from Shippensburg University.

Colonel Hurley dedicated 30 years of honorable service to the United States Army, commissioning on May 30, 1964 as a Second Lieutenant in the Armor Aviation Branch. Over a distinguished career, he commanded at every level from platoon to brigade. His assignments took him across the globe, including notable tours with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment both in Vietnam & Fulda, Germany as well as commanding the Apache Training Brigade in Fort Hood, Texas. A veteran of the Vietnam War as a combat helicopter pilot, he was recognized for outstanding leadership, valor, and strategic vision.

For his meritorious service, Colonel Hurley was awarded numerous decorations, including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with 1 OLC, Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 OLC, Bronze Star with 2 OLC & "V" device, Purple Heart, and many more. He retired from active duty in 1994 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Beyond the uniform, Robert was a devoted husband, loving parent, and loyal friend, known for his sense of humor, unwavering integrity, patriotism, love for history, and mentorship and advocacy for soldiers. Following his retirement from the Army, he became a PGA professional and managed golf courses at several well known locations. He also remained involved with the military as a private contractor. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, travel, and the outdoors. His leadership and deeply ingrained sense of duty left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

Hurley was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia Lee Steele Hurley; and brother James Austin Hurley Jr. He is survived by his children, Michael John Hurley & Ryan Davis Hurley; and his sister Sula Jane Hurley and brother Paul Wayne Hurley.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 10AM to 11AM with a Celebration of Life Service following at 11AM at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, located at 501 E. Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765.

Interment with full military honors will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 2075 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307 at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Colonel Hurley’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.