William Joseph (Joe) Hurley, Sr.

William Joseph (Joe) Hurley, Sr. of Hazen, AR stepped into eternity and the presence of Jesus on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at the age of 66. Joe was born on April 17, 1956 at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas to James Earl Hurley, Sr. and Lula Elizabeth Redditt Hurley.

Along with his parents and three siblings, Joe moved from place to place with his father’s job before landing in Shreveport, LA. He graduated high school from Captain Shreve High School in 1974 and began his career in the restaurant business where he discovered his first passion- serving others. Joe worked in and managed various restaurants before he started his career with Corky’s BBQ where he was tasked with getting the location in West Little Rock started, and where he met the love of his life, Sheila. From there, the two moved state to state, building new locations from the ground up, hiring and training employees, and getting the restaurants up and running, together. In 2001, they moved to Sheila’s hometown of Hazen where they opened the Hurley House Café. He loved his employees, our restaurant, and the little town of Hazen.

After becoming clean and sober in 2007, Joe discovered his second passion in life- sponsoring, mentoring, and advocating for others struggling with addiction.  He was an inspiration to those on their journey with recovery and touched the lives of so many people.   

In 2010, Joe gave his life to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was saved and baptized that year.  Shortly after, he discovered his third and final passion- spreading the Word of Jesus Christ.  In 2013, he went on his first mission trip to Honduras, where he completed a total of 6 missions there.   

Joe was often to referred to as “No Ordinary Joe,” and was truly one of a kind.  He had a genuine way of caring for others, making people laugh, and he was a devoted father and husband.  When he wasn’t working or spending time with his family, he and Sheila loved riding his bike with his dear friends,  “The Skittles,” Scott, Deborah, Allen, Brenda.   

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John Hurley.  He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sheila Hurley of Hazen, his children, Amanda Melton (Todd) of Maumelle, Franci Hurley Corr (Jim) of De Berry, TX, William Joseph (Joey) Hurley, Jr (Brandy) of Hazen, Brittany Hurley Aycock (Parker) of Slovak, 10 grandchildren, Kayla Flynn (James), Taylor Solberg (Caleb), Jonathan Lott, Aidan Corr, Brooks Melton, William Joseph Hurley, III, Rylan Corr, Lola Melton, Zeke Melton, and Rhett Aycock, two great-grandchildren, Bryson Flynn and Gabby Flynn, and another great-grandchild expected in 2023, one brother, Jim (Nancy) Hurley of Jacksonville, one sister-in-law Sandie Hurley, one sister, Jacqui Hurley of Sherwood, and an abundance of other family and friends. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 

Services are being held on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Family Christian Fellowship in Hazen, Arkansas. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM. Interment to immediately follow at the Hazen Cemetery.

The family requests any floral arrangements be made through Stuttgart Flower & Gift in Stuttgart, AR, and memorials be made to Honduras Missions through Family Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 982, Hazen, AR 72064 to build a church in his honor.

6 thoughts on “William Joseph (Joe) Hurley, Sr.”

  1. All love Joe, and you will be dearly missed by your church family. Not saying goodbye, but see ya later my friend. Sheila you are constantly in our prayers.

  2. We sure loved our friend Joe, and our church family will never be quite the same without him. Praying for Sheila and family.

  3. Mr. Joe Hurley was a great man….he truly was a man who shared his experience, strength, and hope with others. My son and I both just thought the world of Joe and we sure love the Hurley House. I thank you for your kind words and always checking in with me to see how Silas and I are getting along. Until we meet again. Prayers for his family and loved ones. He fought hard and bravely and will be missed.

  4. Mary Anne Parsley

    I met Joe on a Honduras mission trip. He was so easy to know, and totally devoted to His work. “Go rest high on that mountain “ my friend. I’ll be seeing you some day.

  5. My friend you and your family will be in my prayers, take care of yourself. Love you Patsy May Jacob

  6. I just kept looking for my favorite patient, Joe, to make his weekly visit to Carti. We had many months of joking and hugging. I am relieved for Joe that he is fully healed in Heaven! So deserved after such a long, hard struggle. Sheila you deserve the biggest blessing God can bestow for your faithful devotion!!

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