| Ernest Neil Hayhurst, 85, of Raleigh NC, earned his wings April 7, 2016, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Ernie was born on January 19, 1931 in Grantsville, West Virginia, the second son of the late Herbert and Erless (Gherke) Hayhurst. A graduate of Calhoun County High School, he served in the United States Army from 1952-1955 and was stationed in Germany. After completing his service, Ernie returned to West Virginia and attended West Virginia University, earning both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Christina (Pauling) Hayhurst and his youngest sister, Junell (Hayhurst) Vannoy.
Ernie worked as a Soil Scientist for the Soil Conservation Service under the United States Department of Agriculture for over 40 years, first in the state of Ohio and then as Assistant State Soil Scientist for the State of North Carolina from 1976-1990. After retiring from the federal government, Ernie worked for another ten years as a consultant with S&EC (Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA) in Raleigh.
Ernie was an avid gardener, growing fresh vegetables and surrounding his home with beautiful flower gardens. He was also a lifelong hunter and fisherman, enjoying many annual fishing trips to Canada and returning to West Virginia every Fall to deer hunt with his uncles, brothers, nephews and cousins, often accompanied by his son-in-law.
Ernie had been an active member of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Raleigh since 1976, serving for many years as an Eucharistic Minister.
Even once Alzheimer's stole most of his memories, he could still recite the mass prayers verbatim, and both praying and listening to hymns always made him smile.
Ernie is survived by his devoted wife of more than 30 years, Samera Saleeby (Samia) Hayhurst; two brothers Herbert Gail Hayhurst and wife, Raenetta, of Bartlett, Ohio and Carlos Kyle Hayhurst of Washington, WV; one sister, Carolyn Collins of Grantsville, WV; and brother-in-law, Paul Vannoy, of Mineral Wells, WV. Ernie had one son, Michael Hayhurst of Youngsville, NC, one daughter, Dianne Casson and husband, Trip, of Wake Forest, NC, and four stepsons: Robert Samia of Youngsville, NC; Dr. Mark Samia and wife, Sharon, of Raleigh, NC; Glenn Samia and wife, Gina, of Wake Forest, NC; and Paul Samia and wife, Gina, of Wake Forest, NC; plus ten treasured grandchildren: Christina Casson, Arthur Samia, Paul Samia, Jr., Marisa Casson, Richard Samia, Victor Samia, Gracee Samia, Gabrielle Samia, Graham Samia and Isabella Samia.
Although almost all of Ernie's memories were lost, up until the very end West Virginia remained home, he spoke of or asked for his mother daily and he always brightened at the sight or mention of his beloved "sweetheart," Samera.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the name of Ernest N. Hayhurst to either the Alzheimer's Association of Eastern North Carolina (alz.org/nc/donate) or Transitions HospiceCare (transitionslifecare.org/donate).
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday April 13, 2016 at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609, at 1:00 PM. His family will receive friends, at the church, from 12:00-1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, Wake Forest, NC.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Brown Wynne.com |
