Terry Lee Hurst

Terry Lee Hurst, 69, of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. Born in Danville, Illinois, Terry lived a life marked by determination, humor, and an unwavering zest for adventure.

A proud graduate of Georgetown High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Terry dedicated 25 distinguished years to public service with the U.S. Federal government. His career spanned the Departments of Defense, Treasury, and Health and Human Services, where he retired as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Grants. He later brought his expertise to the private sector, contributing his talents at PeopleSoft and Deloitte Consulting.

Terry's commitment to service extended beyond his professional life. He served for many years on the board of the Disability Resource Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia, advocating for others and giving back to his community with characteristic passion and dedication.

An exceptional athlete, Terry excelled in wheelchair racing, basketball, and tennis. His athletic prowess reached international heights when he and the Milton Keynes Aces proudly represented the British national wheelchair basketball team in the European Championships in 1987. During his three years in England, Terry not only pursued his athletic passions but also found love, meeting and marrying his beloved Sonia. In his later years, he discovered a love for golf, spending countless happy hours on the links with his friends.

Terry approached life with infectious confidence and humor. An avid reader and devoted sports fan, he cheered passionately for his beloved Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and Bears. His love of tennis was legendary: he made it his mission to attend three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, with only the pandemic preventing him from completing his dream of seeing all four. He was a man of simple pleasures and strong convictions, whether enjoying his daily pipe, savoring a fine scotch, or defending his unwavering devotion to red meat and potatoes.

Terry's charismatic personality and vibrant spirit touched everyone he met. He was the kind of man who took risks, lived boldly, and faced every challenge with determination and grace. His laughter was contagious, his stories were legendary, and his zest for life was truly inspiring.

He is survived by his devoted wife Sonia; his sons Jim (Amy) and Neil (Sara); his treasured grandchildren Karenna and Bannon; his sister Lynn; and his brothers Tim and Gary. He was preceded in death by his brother Denny.

Terry Hurst lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy of courage, humor, and boundless enthusiasm for life will continue to inspire his family and friends for generations to come.

Details on his Celebration of Life to come later.