Thomas Richard Hursey

Thomas Richard Hursey, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the age of 90 as a resident of Auburn, GA. Born on January 10, 1935, in Beaumont, TX, Richard lived a life marked by faith, generosity, and service to others.

Richard earned his diploma from Jeff Davis County High School and pursued higher education at South Georgia College and Georgia Tech. He dedicated 29 years of his career to leading juvenile detention programs across DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, where he impacted countless young lives with his compassion and guidance.

Richard was also a devoted leader of the Boys Brigade program at Northside Alliance Church for 13 years. In addition, he worked tirelessly as an insurance broker at Richard Hursey and Associates until December 2021, providing for his family and serving his clients with diligence and care.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard enjoyed fishing, hiking, golf, and tennis. He found great joy in walking Gwinnett County parks, sharing his faith, his warm smile, and encouraging words with everyone he met. Known for his zeal for life and unwavering sacrifice for others, Richard cared deeply for people’s souls and inspired them to persevere through adversity.

Richard was a man who embraced all people, regardless of their background. His frugal lifestyle never extended to his time or generosity, which he shared freely with family, friends, and strangers alike. His legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Parker Hursey and Olive Elizabeth (Brown) Hursey; his brothers, James Kenneth Hursey and Howard Boyd Hursey; and his sister-in-law, Gratia Hursey.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Mary E. Jamieson Hursey; his daughters, Carolyn Jones (Van) and Lynn Linch (Marcus); his son, John Hursey (Tammy); his grandsons, Chris Ryan Linch (Meredy), Zachary Hursey, Austin Hursey, Joseph Hursey (Alexandra), and Nathan Hursey; his great-grandchildren, Luke Agusto Linch and Livie Maria Linch; his sister-in-law, Jane Hursey; and numerous extended family members and friends.

A viewing will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM on January 17, 2025, at Wages and Sons Gwinnett Chapel. A celebration of life will take place on January 18, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 PM at One Mission Church in Tucker, GA. A graveside service will follow on January 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Hazlehurst City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Well Church, P.O. Box 37, Dacula, GA 30019 or to prisonfellowship.org .

Richard Hursey’s legacy of faith, kindness, and love will remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.