Donald Gilford Hurst, 84, of Smithfield, passed away on April 27, 2018.Born on Jan. 6, 1934 in Seymour, Tenn., he was the son of the late John and Artie Hurst. He is survived by his two children, Karen Norman (Tim) and Michael (Rick) Hurst (Sally); and six grandchildren. Don was a 1955 graduate of Newport News Apprentice School. As a four-year member of the apprentice school football team, he was voted outstanding sportsman by his teammates and received the first annual Hampton Roads Jaycees Sportsman of the Year award. Retiring from the yard in 1998,

he began fulfilling his passion for gardening. He played at his favorite job as groundskeeper at Cypress Creek Golf Club until the age of 80.

The family acknowledges, with deep gratitude, the staff and nurses at Riverside Healthy Living for their compassion and kindness towards Don over the past 21 months. A private graveside service will be at a later date in Seymour, Tenn.

Memorial donations may be made to the Isle of Wight Humane Society, PO Box 273, Smithfield, Va.23431. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.