Arthur E. Hurd, Jr.

Arthur Edward Hurd Jr, also known as Smokey, Ice, and Arturo, aged 87, was born on November 7th, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan. He departed us peacefully at West Houston Medical Center, in Houston Texas,  surrounded by family on May 26th, 2025. He has left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him. He could make friends with anyone, wherever he went. Being born in Detroit, the family later moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he spent the majority of his life. He went to Central High School, but later transferred and graduated from Adams high school. While in school he was active in sports, playing both football and basketball. This contributed to his lifelong love of both sports. Arthurs talents were many and varied, but on the basketball court is where he shined the brightest. His smooth handle and pull up jump shot was the stuff of a local legend. His passion for sports was only surpassed by the love he had for his family.

After graduating from Adams High School in 1955, he married Hattie Hurd and had three children. While raising the children he helped run the family businesses, Smoke’s Tavern and the Flamingo, while also working at the US Steel Mill in Gary, Indiana. Through his work running the family businesses, he was able to forge a deep relationship with some of the first Black Notre Dame University athletes and their coaches, helping them acclimate to the black community of South Bend. This connection helped make him a devout Notre Dame football fan. In the 70s, he worked for the Muskegon Urban League, helping kids from lower income neighborhoods find employment. He worked for the Urban league until the 80s, when he relocated to Houston, Texas. After relocating to Houston, he found employment with the Houston Independent School District as a counselor.

One of Arthur and Hattie’s favorite pastimes was playing Bid Whist with friends while listening to Motown hits. Arthur also had a love for travel, often journeying with family between South Bend and Detroit, where his mother lived, or taking weekend trips to Chicago to enjoy live shows. He is survived by his three children: one son, Michael Hurd (Patricia), and two daughters, Deborah Hurd and Michele Hurd-Zierold. Also left to cherish his memory are his brother Clarence Hurd and sister Brenda Mays (Michael). His legacy lives on through his seven grandchildren: Tammi Robertson, Damien Williams (Trish), Shantel Sanders-Beasley, Alicia Hurd, Ashley Hurd (Roy), Taylor Zierold, and Jasmine Contreras; and his thirteen great-grandchildren: Sinclair Smith, Laura Johnson, Archie Beasley II, Amari Beasley, Leeandria Johnson, Lanyia Johnson, Aaliyah Ball, Tristan Williams, Joseph Johnson, Jaliyah Ball, Devin Williams, Lilyana Williams, and Shaun Taylor Zierold. He also leaves behind three great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Arthur is also remembered by two former wives, Brenda Shear and Rosalind Beaty, as well as his special partner Angel Jones and her daughter Daphne Jones and family friend Morris Long. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Hattie Hurd, his father Arthur Hurd Sr., his mother Mildred Turner, his stepmother Margaret Hurd, his grandparents Lavada and Clarence Pierce, and his granddaughter Kimberly Hurd. As we mourn the loss of our patriarch, we find comfort in the memories he gave us and the indelible spirit he leaves behind. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

We love you and we miss you Daddy, until we meet again.