Billy (Bill) Lee Hurley passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem. He was born in Wilkes County on July 22, 1934, to the late William (Willie) M. Hurley and Wilba Lee Gaultney Hurley.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Josephine Miller Hurley, his cherished daughter-in-law, Sandy Goss Hurley, his aunt, Stella Mae Hurley Blackman, nephew David Howell, nephew Jimmy Blevins, and his niece Debbie “Sissy” Blevins. He was also proceeded in death by his father-in-law, Monroe Miller, and his mother-in-law, Hazel E. Miller, sisters-in-law, Betty Faye Lambert, Linda Lee Ball, his brothers-in-law, Clarence Edward Miller, Earl Dean Howell, Roby Bill Kilby, David Blevins, William Mark Hardin, and Tommy Lambert.

Early in life, Bill’s parents, brother, sisters, and he lived in Maryland eventually moving to Crumpler, NC. After Healing Spring High School, Bill moved to California and he joined the US Navy and after jet aviation technician training schools he was assigned to the Aircraft Carrier, USS Oriskany CV-34A. He was part of the US Pacific fleet fighter squadron, 192nd based in San Francisco, CA. While onboard as a member of her crew he was primarily stationed overseas in Japan and the Philippines serving during the Korean War eventually earning the rank of Petty Officer 3rd class and receiving numerous letters of commendation.

Later, after returning home as a war veteran, he met his great love, Josephine, dating for a year and getting engaged and eventually they married at the Wilkesboro Baptist Church on December 22, 1960.

Eventually, he went to work at Skyline Telephone in engineering serving 34 years and retiring as the Outside Plant Engineer. He also owned and operated Hurley & Sons Auto Sales for 30 years. Bill also attended Wilkes Community College earning a Certificate in Agriculture and NC State University's agricultural extension program.

Bill is survived by his two sons, William Mitchell Hurley of Mt. Airy, and Christopher Lee Hurley of Jefferson. Bill is also survived by his two grandsons, Holden Paul Hurley and Wesley Scott Hurley of Mt. Airy.

In addition, Bill is survived by his brother, Larry J. Hash and his wife Trudy, and he also survived by his sisters, Janet Blevins and Joan Howell.

Bill is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Jack Miller, and David Ball as well as sisters-in-laws, Trudy Hash, Jean Kilby and Sue Hardin, Judy Miller and Barbara Miller.

Bill is also survived by several nephews, Danny Howell and wife Nancy, Joe Blevins, Travis Hash, Jeff Miller and wife Cara, David Ball, Jr. and wife, Pamela, James Miller and wife Charity, Billy Kilby and wife Lydia, and Mark Hardin, Jr.

Bill is survived by several nieces, Donna Lyons, Julie Green, Sandy Reynolds, Kelly Price, Teresa Richardson, Elizabeth Miller and husband Rodney, Debbie Welch, Debbie Baker and husband Tim, and Cherie Baldwin and husband Rocky.

Bill is also survived by cousins, Gerald Blackburn and Iris Lawson as several great nieces and nephews.

Throughout the years, Bill was a good Christian man who strongly believed in and loved the Lord and he prayed every day. He was also very devoted to his beloved wife, never missing their date night that he and Josephine went on each week during their long marriage. Bill was also a devoted family man as well.

He also loved his home life with his late wife, Josephine, on the land that she was raised on next to her parents’ tobacco farm. In his spare time Bill was fond of classic cars, and he enjoyed tinkering with and trading them over the years. In the evenings, when he came home from work, he liked watching Gunsmoke and having dinner with his beloved wife. On the weekends during the season, he loved watching NASCAR.

Bill was especially proud of his two sons, William, who is a retired Surry high school soccer coach and the former owner of Mount Pilot Antiques. And Christopher, who attended Appalachian State University, served in the US Army National Guard, and is the President of Hurley Marketing, LLC and is the current Director of Security for Jefferson Landing. He was also very proud of his two grandsons, Holden and Wesley.

The pallbearers will include a mixture of family and friends, Holden Hurley, Wesley Hurley, Larry Hash, Danny Howell, Joe Blevins, Jack Miller, David Ball, Jr., Bill Burkett, Jeff Miller and Mark Hardin, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 3:00 pm with Pastor, Michael Kurtz officiating, and with Bill’s son, Christopher, delivering the eulogy. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Jefferson City Cemetery next to the love of his life, his late wife, Josephine. The family will receive friends and acquaintances from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm prior to the service at Ashelawn.