William E. Hurt II, 86

William E. "Jake" Hurt II, age 86, of West Portsmouth was peacefully reunited with his beloved wife, Clara, on March 27 ^th , 2014.  He was born on December 14 ^th , 1927 in Pikeville, Ky.  William was a recognized military veteran that served in the United States Merchant Marines and the United States Cavalry.   He worked at Cadillac Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan for many years and owned/operated Jake's Mill Bar in New Boston, Ohio.  He was a talented banjo and guitar player that enjoyed listening and singing classic country music along with tinkering with vintage cars.  His comical personality brought smiles to the faces of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

William is survived by and was a loving father to his daughter Debbie (Dave) Swords of West Portsmouth, daughter Diana (Wayne) Faires of Columbus, and son William "Bill" (Pamela) Hurt III of Portsmouth.  He is also survived by 6 grandchildren Zachary Swords, Amy Russell, Aaron Faires, Misty Hurt, William "Bill" Hurt IV, and Robert Castle and along with many great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his dearly beloved wife, Clara Bow, with whom he was married to for 48 years before her death in 2000.  He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers Al and Harvey and 3 sisters Wanita, Violet, and Libby.

William's residence for the past five years was Hillview Retirement Center of Portsmouth.  During his stay there, he received remarkable care from the Hillview staff that was considered his extended family and SOMC Hospice. "Say not in grief he is no more-but live in thankfulness that he was."- Hebrew Proverb

Graveside Memorial Service will be a private gathering of family.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, OH.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com