Clifton Eugene “Gene” Hurst, 79, founder and CEO of Hurst Boiler & Welding Co., died July 22 in Coolidge, Ga. An entrepreneur, skilled engineer and devoted family man, Hurst is remembered by all for his kindness, dedication, vision and inexhaustible will. Not only did he grow Hurst Boiler into a successful boiler company, he helped to transform the boiler industry through innovation.
“We lost one of the greatest men to ever live, a man adored by many, a man of true character, a man that meant so much to so many... my hero, best friend and my grandfather,” said Chad Fletcher, Hurst’s grandson and Hurst Boiler’s director of aftermarket parts and sales.