Sunbury, NC-Noah A. Hurdle, 91, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 8, 2011.

Mr. Hurdle was born on August 4, 1920 in Gates County and was the son of the late Willis A. and Rosa Wilkins Hurdle.  An Army veteran of World War II, he served in Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe, Rhineland and Ardennes.  In recognition of his faithful and dedicated service he received The Bronze Star and five battle stars including the Belgium Fouragere Star.

After World War II ended, he returned to Gates County where he and R.E. Bagley opened Bagley & Hurdle Equipment Company, a small engine repair shop.  In 1976 after Bagley & Hurdle closed, Mr. Hurdle owned and operated Coastal Farm Equipment, a John Deere dealership, until 1988.

A member of “The Greatest Generation”, a title inspired by author Tom Brokaw, Mr. Hurdle did not retire.  Instead, he used his engineering and mechanical skills to repair large equipment and vehicles and continued his work as a master woodworker.  He loved people and people loved and respected him for his knowledge and hard work.  He will be greatly missed by his wife and children and others whose lives he touched.

He was a charter member of the Sunbury Volunteer Fire Dept., the Sunbury VFW Post, and the Sunbury Investment Club.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sisters, Susie White, Willie Bass, and Nona Anderson; a brother, Hallett Hurdle; a daughter, Joan Hurdle; and by Elizabeth Layton Hurdle, his first wife and the mother of his children.

Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth Butler Hurdle; his children, Anne Hurdle Clark, Willis Arthur Hurdle, Pamela McMahon, Alice Hurdle Murray, Michael David Hurdle, and Virginia Dare Corley.  Also surviving are Elizabeth’s children, Steve Hare and Kim Bennett; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in Beulah Baptist Church by the Revs. Tom Hall, E. Vernon Gilmer, Jr., and Bob Skeens.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Damascus Christian Church Cemetery.  Friends may join the family in the social hall of Beulah Church following services, and all other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Gates County Rescue Squad, Gatesville, NC  27938.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.