John Peter Hurt

Pete Hurt, legendary football coach, left this world unexpectedly on July 11, while vacationing in the Dominican Republic with Diana, his beloved wife. He was 69.

Pete, who grew up in Cleveland, Mississippi, was one of four sons of Rev. and Mrs. James Hurt. Folklore has it that he came into this world reaching for a football. His love for sports manifested itself early, starting with neighborhood games, Little League, and then moving on to junior high and high school, where he lettered in four sports. He attended Mississippi College on a football scholarship, where he lettered in both football and baseball. It was there he fell in love with Diana Williams, who was his life partner for nearly 49 years.

Pete's coaching career spanned over 48 years and encompassed every level of football, including junior high, high school (four as head coach), Division I-AA college (one as head coach), Division I college, and professional (World League of American Football). Since retiring in 2022, he was part of the coaching staff at Horn Lake High School, where the team went from a one-win season to three consecutive regional playoffs.

Pete's legacy is the thousands of players he influenced both on and off the field with his unwavering support, his care for the whole person, and his unconditional love. The same was true with his fellow coaches, other colleagues, his family, and his friends.

Pete is survived by his wife Diana; his son Clint; brothers Al (Jane); Richard (Jan); and Bill (Tommi Jo); 10 nieces and nephews; 18 great nieces and nephews; and Allie, his beloved fur baby.

Pete's funeral will be at First Baptist Church, Horn Lake, Mississippi, at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 18. Visitation will be at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Baptist Children's Village and Family Ministries or Frank and Geneva Page Mission Fund at First Baptist Church, Amory, Mississippi.