Lawrence Arthur Hurd's Obituary
Lawrence Arthur “Lee” Hurd, died peacefully, surrounded by his beloved wife, children, family, and friends, January 24, 2026, at the age of 66, at Vitalia Senior Residences, Westlake, Ohio after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. Lee was born at the United States Air Force Base Hospital in Greenville, Mississippi, October 22, 1959, to Thomas L Hurd and the late Sandra Hurd Youngberg {Gibbs}. Lee’s life was a testament to the virtues of courage, integrity, and the enduring power of his love of family.
Lee was raised in Commack, Long Island, New York, until the age of thirteen. His family relocated to Venice, Florida where he graduated from Venice High School in 1977. Lee earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida, Tampa in 1981. A career pilot, Lee was accepted into the US Air Force in 1982. He served his country as a fighter pilot and instructor pilot on the {A-10, “Warthog”} aircraft; fighter pilot and instructor pilot on the {T-37} aircraft. A member of the 88th Flying Training Squadron, he was highly decorated, receiving the AF Commendation Medal among others, including Water Survival and Marksmanship. Following his tour of duty and Honorable Discharge with the Air Force in 1990, Lee continued his piloting career as an international commercial pilot for American Airlines. He flew captain on the Boeing 727, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Lee was based in New York City and Miami and embraced his responsibility to the lives of his crew and passengers on every flight with his skills of leadership and diplomacy; no situation was too great to handle through communication.
Lee’s legacy will live on in the circle of life he leaves behind. He is survived by his devoted wife and advocate throughout his long illness Ann M Hurd {Richvalsky} Venice, Florida; father, Thomas L Hurd and stepmother Paula Hurd {Nix}, Park City, Utah; children; son Austin Hurd, Irvine, California; daughter Erin Dendy {Hurd},
son-in-law, Aaron Dendy, granddaughter Alimae Dendy, Nashville, Tennessee; sister, Andrea Hurd, West Jefferson, North Carolina; lifelong trusted friend, Dr. Hugh Mitchell, Seattle, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his beloved paternal grandmother, Mae Hurd Burr {Schroeder}; mother, Sandra Hurd Youngberg {Gibbs}; stepfather Paul A Youngberg; stepsister Laura McNeal.
A natural athlete, he was a self-taught tennis player and acoustic guitar player. Lee also enjoyed adventure motorcycling, mechanics, and woodworking, The most generous and unpretentious of men, with accolades in leadership and service to his country, a stellar career as a legacy airline captain, Lee’s greatest joy came from championing his children in their personal goals and life pursuits.
To honor Lee in lieu of a public memorial, a private Celebration of Life will be held within the year. The family will provide additional detail when a date and location is chosen. Those who were touched by Lee’s life are welcome to gather in honor of a man whose life was full of meaning and whose actions were always guided by kindness and love.
Lee's family would like to especially thank the residents, staff, and loving care
partners at Vitalia Senior Living, Westlake, Ohio; Cypress Hospice, Berea, Ohio; and the family of residents at Wesleyan Meadows, Sheffield Village, Ohio; you will all be remembered as Lee's angels on earth.
Condolences to the family may be sent to Ann M Hurd 616 Gardenia Drive, Venice, Florida 34285. Lee Hurd will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy as a brave warrior, devoted family man, and respected professional will forever be cherished.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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