Charles Robert Hurt passed away peacefully at home at the age of 79, after a courageous battle with cancer. Charlie was born on December 28, 1943, in Middlesboro, KY, and moved to Morristown, TN as a child.

Charlie retired from MassMutual Life Insurance Company, marking 50 years of service with the company. Charlie joined Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company (merged into MassMutual in 1996) on April 1, 1968, following his graduation from The University of Tennessee that same week. During his tenure, he garnered several industry and company honors, including life membership in the Million Dollar Round Table and membership in MassMutual Leader’s Club and the prestigious Masters Club. Charlie was awarded the Chartered Life Underwriter designation, CLU, from The American College in 1976. Active in industry organizations, he served as President of both the Knoxville and Morristown Association of Life Underwriters.

In 1999, Charlie formed Hurt Financial to take advantage of the growing employee benefits market including group health, life, disability, and ancillary benefits. This business grew to serve some 30 local companies and their employees. Hurt Financial was sold to CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services of Tennessee in 2014, which continues to serve former Hurt Financial clients.

Community service was always one of Charlie’s priorities. He served as President of the Morristown Noon Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary International. He served as Chairman of the Lakeway Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Charlie chaired the successful 2006 Hamblen County United Way campaign and has served on the board of United Way and Rose Center. He was an Elder at First Presbyterian Church, an Eagle Scout from First Methodist Church Troop 91, and a member of the Carltvance Bible class.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruth Hurt, and sister Carolyn Shepherd.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis; son Michael (Denise) Hurt and their family Sydney, Ella, Colton, and Kegan; daughters Tammy (Wendy) Hurt of Atlanta, GA, and Sherrie (Rob) Brown of Waynesboro, VA; brother Tom Hurt of Conyers, GA. He also leaves behind his granddaughters, Rachel Gordon of Alpharetta, GA, Dr. Natalee (Dexter) Baker of Buford, GA, and Courtney Gordon of Canton, GA. Charlie also leaves behind a niece, Cari (Jason) Reynolds of Sewanee, TN; Jenny (Wesley) Wyatt of Morristown, TN, and nephew Travis (Jessica) Hurt of Conyers, GA.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am Monday, April 10, 2023, at Jarnagin Cemetery for all friends and family. Pastor Sam Schaus of First Presbyterian Church will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of their choice.

Arrangements by Mayes Mortuary.