Delbert Earl Hurse Obituary

Mr. Delbert Earl Hurse age 68 of Panama City, FL passed away Monday January 29th at his residence.

On 18 September 1955, a typical summer day in Panama City, Florida, Delbert was born to proud parents the late L. B. and Vera M. Hurse. His primary and secondary education were received from Oscar Patterson Elementary and Jinks Jr. High. He attended Bay High School and graduated in 1973. To further his education, he attended Gulf Coast Community College and earned credit hours towards an associate degree which he later earned in 1989 from Community College of Air Force in Brooks AFB, Texas majoring in Applied Science in Bioenvironmental Engineering. Delbert’s military education included extensive training in industrial radiological hazards, environmental compliance assessment and management, hazardous waste management, OSHA requirements and nuclear emergency team operations, to name a few. In 2004, he earned a certificate in Environmental Compliance from Columbia Southern University.

In 1979, Delbert joined the U.S. Air Force. His military career afforded travels to Portugal, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan and several U.S. states. He earned the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, NCO Professional Military Education ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with 2 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Meal with 1 bronze star, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 bronze star. After 24 years of service, Delbert separated from the Air Force in April 2003.

After spending a few years working at FedEx in Virginia, Delbert decided to return home to Panama City…where he retired, retired! His interests in helping the homeless, traveling, reading, cooking, and staying healthy and fit continued to be high on his list of priorities for his life. His smile, sense of humor, benevolent spirit and quiet demeanor served as a beam of positivity for all who knew him. His love for music, black history, finance and self-preservation were the topics of many conversations and posts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, L. B. and Vera Hurse, a niece and nephew.

He leaves to cherish his memories, His siblings: Mortez Hurse Sr., Charlotte, NC; Anthony Hurse Sr., Smyrna, TN; Janice H. Long (Willard), Lawrenceville, GA; Calvin Hurse, Lithonia, GA; Cassandra H. Wins (Cedric), Fairfax Station, VA; Vicky Hurse, Tallahassee, FL; Pam Holland, Panama City, FL and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Our loss is God’s gain. While Delbert no longer walks this earth, we know his journey has carried him home to join loved ones who have gone before him.