Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Bernard Cephas Hurtte, 94, of Beckley, WV passed Monday, June 26, 2023 in a Beckley Hospital following a short illness.

Bernard was born in Mabscott, WV on July 1, 1928 and was the eldest of three sons born to the late Leancy Brutis Hurtte and Flora Burnette Hurtte.

Bernard received Christ as his personal Saviour at an early age as he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mabscott during his formative years until he joined the U.S. Military.

Bernard was educated in the Raleigh County School system graduating from Stratton High School in 1944. He also attended Michigan Bible College. In 1960,

Bernard met the love of his life in the person of Barbara Mae Traynham, on July 4, 1960, they joined hands and hearts and were united in Holy matrimony. God blessed Bernard and Barbara to share 50 years together, they had five children, (2) daughters and (3) sons.

Bernard was a licensed barber, in his early years he worked as a radio disc jockey in Brooklyn, NY. After he and his family moved back to Beckley, he became a dedicated employee for many years. Retiring from both the Beckley Newspaper and the Beckley Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife Barbara later joined and became lifelong members.

Bernard was a member of the Shepherd’s Center and was instrumental in organizing The Shepherd’s Center Newsletter for the Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed photography and socializing with his friends at the Senior Citizen’s Commission on Aging. He was a Board Member of the Appalachian Regional Hospital and held an active membership as a Mason in the Masonic Temple “King Hiram Abiff Lodge #25.” Bernard served his country in the Koren War and continued serving as a volunteer at the Beckley Veteran’s Hospital.

Bernard was a caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and true friend to many. Our dad, granddad, uncle and friend, the last of his generation will truly be missed and we will cherish him in our hearts forever.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Mae Hurtte; son, Joseph (Jody) Hurtte; grandson, Avery Hurtte and two brothers, Lawrence and Charles Hurtte.

Bernard leaves cherished memories with his daughter, Carol Renee Hurtte Smith (Reginald); son, Michael Hurtte (Loretta Gregg); daughter, Donna Marie Hurtte White (Royal White); son, Mark Anthony Hurtte (Stephanie Farley); grandchildren, Lashawn and Johnathan Smith, Angelo, Alexandria and Ryan Hurtte.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Beckley Presbyterian Church 203 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Rev. Monte Mitchell and Rev. Walter M. Leach officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.