Richard Tyson “Dick” Hursey, 72, of Newberry, died January 31, 2025 at his home.
He was a son of the late Lt. Col. William Wilburn and Ann Tyson Hursey. Born in Dothan, AL as part of a military family, he spent the first years of his life in Japan, where Japanese became his first language. Moving often, and living years in the Phillipines as well as several American army bases, instilled a life-long love of travel, learning about other cultures and meeting new people. Dick was a graduate of Newberry High School, and a 1974 graduate of The Citadel where he served as “A” Company Commander. He served 5 years active duty in the United States Army: at Fort Knox, KY, South Korea’s DMZ, and Germany ( then West Germany). After being honorably discharged, Dick spent his career in medical diagnostic equipment sales, being part of the first team of Abbott Laboratories Diagnostic Division sales force. While with Abbott he received numerous awards and citations for meeting and exceeding sales quotas and became District Manager of the Houston, TX District. He ended his sales career with Abaxis Medical Diagnostics for which he traveled extensively. After moving to Newberry, he and his wife spent several years restoring the historic Coateswood House. He was a member of Aveleigh Presbyterian Church and the Newberry Cotillion Club, where he served as President. He retired early and pursued his lifelong passion for travel with with several Mediterranean cruises , trips to explore European capitals, and numerous Caribbean cruises . His most meaningful cruise was of the coast of Western Europe which included a trip to Normandy, France. It was here he was able to observe first hand the site of the invasion of Omaha Beach, the memorial to a generation of America’s sacrifice, and the row upon row of crosses marking the graves of American war dead. This for him captured his deeply held belief in duty, honor, and service for country, which was his heart.
Dick is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cile Purcell Hursey; a brother, William Randolph “Randy” Hursey and his wife, Susan of Tryon, NC; a niece, Jill Hursey Hicks and her husband, Jim and their daughter, Sophie; a brother-in-law, Trent Keitt Purcell and his wife, Vonnie; a sister-in-law, Julie Purcell Thompson and her husband, Jerry; nephew, T.K. Purcell and his wife, Casey; niece, Leeann Purcell; great-niece, Eleanor Purcell; and numerous cousins and extended family in Darlington, South Carolina.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Friday at Aveleigh Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Jason Edwards. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Citadel Development Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409.
Active pallbearers will be Ronnie Byrd, Sam Hart, Eddie Longshore, Mac Montgomery, Ned Purcell and T.K. Purcell.