Billy Gene Hurley

Billy Gene Hurley also known as Ricky, Big R or Mayor, formerly of Stopover, KY went home to be with the Lord on February 8th, 2024, at Holston Valley Medical Center in Tennessee.  He was born in Pikeville, KY, on August 19th, 1955, cherished son of the late Arthur & Norma Jean “McCoy” Wolford.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded by a loving son, Christopher Robin Hurley, a brother, Eddie Wolford, and his great - great grandparents Martha and Preston Hurley.

He leaves behind a daughter, April (Ryan) Hager of Tennessee; loving ex-wife, Linda Compton who helped take care of him for the past 16 years; a sister, Carol ( Randy) Justice; nephews, Randy Allen (Autumn) Justice, Tyler (Madison) Wolford, and a great nephew, Luke Justice; great niece, Summer Justice also of Tennessee; three granddaughters, Isabella Faith, Chloe Lashae, and Olivia Brooke; two grandsons, Jordan Hurley & Gabriel Hurley of Phelps, KY.  Billy also leaves behind a host of extended family who loved him dearly.

Ricky had a heart of gold and an amazing work ethic.  He started when he was just 16 years old and loved working on a strip job as a drill & D9 dozer operator.  He would climb the steepest of hills when no one else would take the chance.  He was fearless, but unfortunately his career would be cut short because of a disease called Schizophrenia even though the disease prevented him from working anymore he still took pride in his past work, and he was well known for it.  He was of Presbyterian faith and use to love going to church; he always kept a Bible by his side until the disease progressed and he lost those parts of himself.  He was a great father & grandfather. He loved his grandbabies and would always show them off when they were out, he’d say, “these are my babies” and just smile.  He was a simple man all he wanted was coffee, cigarettes, some good food & his family around and he was happy.  He had a trying life but now he’s at peace and completely healed and in the arms of Jesus and his son, Chris Robin as he always called him.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to welcome friends for visitation Monday, February 12th, 2024 from 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. at the Jones & West Funeral Home in Phelps, KY. 

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel with Odis Blankenship officiating.

Interment will conclude at Wolford Cemetery, on Abes Branch in Jamboree, Kentucky.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, Kentucky.  Our guestbook may be viewed online at www.joneswestfh.com.

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