Fred Coy Hurd's Obituary
Dr. Coy Hurd was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947. He left the planet on March 25, 2024 at the age of 76. Fred Coy Hurd was the last-born child of John Coy Hurd and Ethel Campbell Hurd of Trumann, Arkansas.
He wore many hats, from University Professor to Radio Announcer. He taught research, statistics and organizational management at six major Universities. Dr. Hurd successfully coordinated many large capital building projects for both the University of Arkansas and the City of Fayetteville. He retired from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2013, where he was Director of Campus Operations. He also was employed by the State of Arkansas and State of Missouri. His educational career began as a graduate of Trumann High School in 1965, and he later received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Arkansas State University (1970). He completed a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Arkansas in 1991. He and his wife, Debra both received the Hugh T. Henry Memorial Public Administration Award in 1990, the first time a husband and wife both won the award the same year. He was awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas in 2000. At one time Coy was a Certified Psychotherapist and a member of the American Association of Psychotherapy. He had also been a guest speaker at Fulbright School of Public Affairs. Coy was an accomplished musician, playing the bass guitar and keyboards, as well as writing, producing, singing, and recording five well-received record albums. As the bass guitar player for numerous bands, the awards began stacking up, including Best Blues Band (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007) and NWA Hall of Fame Award (2008). He opened for big musical acts such as Taj Mahal, Air Supply, and Buddy Jewell. He also wrote a book (yet to be published) detailing his life and times as a musician, and in particular, the vibrant music scenes of Northeast and Northwest Arkansas. Coy is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dr. Debra Gage Hurd. He is also survived by a sister Jane Hurd of Claremont, California; a son Dylan Hurd and wife Suki, and two grandchildren, Kaid and Jae Hurd, all of Fayetteville. He also leaves behind one great grandchild, Penelope Hurd, a niece Makayla Gage, and sister-in-law Shannon Gage. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Edwin Hurd. Coy lived most of his adult life in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and always appreciated the opportunities that the community provided to him and his loved ones. Interment of ashes will be at the Moore Cemetery in Cabanal, Arkansas (Carroll County) on April 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. In memory of Coy, please consider donating to the Ozark Blues Society, P.O. Box 2004, Bentonville, AR 72712 or Paws & Claws Pet Shelter at 2075 Madison 6555, Huntsville, AR 72740.
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