Ralph Louie Hurst, 70, died Sunday, May 22, 2011. He was a life long resident of Columbia County. He faithfully served our country in the United States Navy and was a member of the USS William R. Rush Association and the Lake City American Legion Post #57. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and people person who enjoyed fishing, model airplanes, building and repairing electronics. He was a member of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees), NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) and retired from the United States Postal Service after 36 years of service. He attended Southside Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his father, Casper Hurst.

Survivors include his wife, Paulette Hurst of Lake City, FL; daughters, Sabrina (Hal) Ballew of Tallahassee, FL and Tina Hurst of Lake City; mother, Edith A. Hurst of Lake City, FL; grandchildren, Will & Sam Ballew also survive.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.,in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. If you would like, you can make donations to the American Cancer Society, at either 2121 SW 16th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608 or online at www.cancer.org Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home 3596 S. U.S. Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida 32025 (386) 752-1954 is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our guest book at www.gatewayforestlawn.com