Written by: Hayden Kobza
On Sunday morning, the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists was filled with hundreds of grieving relatives, friends and community members who gathered to celebrate the life of Collegedale police officer Enoch Daniel Hurd.
As attendees settled into their seats, officers took turns performing a solemn casket watch, one at a time, in quiet tribute to their fallen comrade. The American flag was draped over the casket, a symbol of the service and dedication that Hurd gave to his community.
Hurd, 52, a resident of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away on Oct. 25 from severe injuries sustained in an off-duty motorcycle accident, according to a previous Accent article.
The service began with a welcoming prayer by Pastor Charles Byrd, followed by a life sketch presented by a “dear friend.”
“Whether you knew him as a devoted father, a savvy businessman, a daring adventurer, a generous friend or simply someone who couldn’t help but leave an impression, Enoch left a mark on all of us,” the friend said.
Hurd’s daughter, Kelsey, a former Southern student, shared a heartfelt message about her late father, fighting back tears. She described him as a kind, devoted father who loved his daughters and supported each of their dreams, whether it was her love for animals, her little sister’s passion for race car driving or her older sister’s goal of becoming a hairstylist.
Kelsey Hurd said it’s hard to think of all the experiences they’ll miss.
“He’ll never get to walk me or Rylee down the aisle,” she said, referring to her younger sister. Still, she said she’s incredibly grateful for the years they shared.
Chasity Baugh sang and played “The Story I’ll Tell” on the piano, raising her left-hand multiple times as the music soared.
“And I’ll testify of the battles You’ve won, how You were my portion when there wasn’t enough,” she sang. “And I’ll testify of the seas that we’ve crossed, the waters You parted, the waves that I’ve walked, singing, oh-oh-oh, my God did not fail.”
Enoch was born in Chisholm, Minnesota, on Feb. 16, 1972, the son of Rosalie Buglino Hurd and the late Frank Hurd, according to an obituary posted on the Heritage Funeral Home website. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Andrews University and proudly served as a Collegedale Police Officer since 2009.
“He was a successful entrepreneur and will always be remembered for having a generous heart,” the obit stated. “Enoch was a dedicated father to his three girls. He enjoyed being a pilot and racing.”
At the funeral service, Mark Westhoff, a long-time business partner and friend, spoke of Hurd’s entrepreneurial spirit and the lasting impact he had on those around him. Westhoff also shared memories of Hurd’s adventurous side, recalling how he ripped the roofs off three cars when driving under a low bridge too quickly and an incident where he and others managed to hit a deer with an airplane.
Reflecting on their daily conversations, Westhoff shared how he still instinctively reaches for his phone, feeling Hurd’s absence deeply.
“I talked to Enoch every day for as long as I can remember; it’s been difficult.” Westhoff said, “I reach for my phone, still from time to time, just instinctive on a call.”
Dave Murray shared a message from Ben Carson, award-winning neurosurgeon and former United States Secretary of Housing, who expressed deep sadness over the loss of Enoch, a friend with quiet strength, excellent faith and a vibrant life.
Carson recalled Enoch’s kindness, skill and willingness to help others, stating that as Christians, he hopes they will reunite someday.
Carson wrote, “His quiet manner loudly proclaimed Jesus in all that he did … and he was so full of confidence and optimism that it was contagious.”
In addition to Hurd’s mother, survivors include his three daughters, Hannah (Hunter)Rougeau, Kelsey Hurd, and Rylee Hurd; four siblings, Melissa (Les) Derfeler, John Hurd, David Hurd, and Esther (Ross) Keys; 2 nieces, Laura Ionashku, and Eden Keys; and 3 nephews, Ben Stevenson, Jared Stevenson, and River Keys; and several great-nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.
