Hurleigh Pence

Hurleigh Pence, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend went home to be with his Lord on August 18, 2012 at the age of 81. Services will be held at Davis Greenlawn Chapel in Rosenberg, TX on Tuesday, August 21 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Barry Adkins officiating. Hurleigh was born in St. Paris, Ohio on January 30, 1931 and was the eldest of four children. During his teenage years, the cold northern winters began having an adverse effect on his mother's health, and at the urging of her doctor, Hurleigh's parents made the decision to move south. In 1947, when Hurleigh was 17, the family sold the majority of their belongings and headed toward Texas. With no specific destination in mind, they settled briefly in Rosenberg. Hurleigh's dad heard about the Imperial Sugar Company and inquired about employment there. He was hired immediately, and the family moved to Sugar Land. Hurleigh worked as a projectionist at Cole Theatre in Rosenberg and was a foreman at Marshall Canning Plant in Sugar Land before taking a job at "the refinery." Hurleigh began his career as a shipping clerk, but his attention to detail and strong work ethic quickly garnered the attention of management. He was soon transferred to the container warehouse where he was placed in charge of maintaining the inventory and was later named foreman. In December 1950, Hurleigh joined the U.S. Army reserves and served for 7 years. While hospitalized, Hurleigh met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Betty McClung Pence. Betty was a nurse's assistant at Laura Eldridge Hospital at the time, and Hurleigh was drawn to the quiet and gentle nature of this lovely young woman. After being discharged from the hospital, he asked his mother to get in touch with Betty so she could check on him. Their relationship blossomed, and they were united in marriage on Aug. 10, 1951 at the ages of 20 and 18. While Hurleigh and Betty patiently waited 8 years for the Lord to grant their heart's desire for children, they traveled throughout the United States enjoying the wonders of God's creation. In 1959, God answered their prayers and gave them a daughter, the apple of her father's eye. Then in 1962, their blessing multiplied as God gave them a son, his father's pride and joy. Hurleigh loved his family dearly and selflessly provided for them. There was no doubt he loved his wife and children as was demonstrated through both his actions and words. He was never too proud to tell them how much he loved them and made a point of doing so at every opportunity. Hurleigh was a committed Christian and service to his Lord was a constant in his life. He raised his children in the spirit and admonition of the Lord. They will forever be thankful to him for leading them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and passing on this heritage for generations to come. Hurleigh was a member of First Baptist Church of Sugar Land for many years and a charter and longtime member of Southwest Baptist Church. In his later years, he was a member of Quail Valley Baptist Church, Kingsbrook Baptist Church, and most recently attended Sugar Land Bible Church. Because of his commitment to the Lord through service to Him, Hurleigh was very active in his church. He served as church treasurer, deacon, junior high boy's Sunday School teacher, choir member, and interim music director. He loved to sing and passed his love for music on to his children and grandchildren. Hurleigh was a gifted and talented man. He could build or repair anything. In the 1960s, he earned a certification in electronics and began repairing radios and black and white televisions, setting up shop in the garage. He not only used this as a means to acquire a little extra income but also as a ministry. He often made house calls to the homes of senior adults and widows, repairing their televisions at no charge. Hurleigh loved people and never met a stranger. He was a proud resident of Sugar Land and always made a point of asking those he met if they were also from his beloved town. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. When his grandsons were young children, they shared many giggles with Grandpa. Hurleigh retired from Imperial Sugar on Nov. 1, 1989 at the age of 58. It had always been his dream to retire early and travel with Betty throughout the U.S. in their R.V. They were blessed to do so for many years. Hurleigh was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruby Opal and William Harley Pence and brothers, Ira Leo and Russell Lamar Pence. He leaves behind his wife, Betty Pence of Sugar Land; daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Steve Toney of Baytown, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Amy Pence of Carlsbad, NM; grandsons Doug Toney of Raleigh, NC and David Toney of Fairfax, VA; and sister, Phyllis Brooks of Sugar Land. Visitation will take place on Monday evening, August 20, from 5-7 p.m. at Davis Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Pallbearers will be Jim Annoot, Ron McClung, David Parker, Kevin Pence, David Toney, and Vance Walpole. In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to Gideons International. The family would like to thank the medical and nursing staff at St. Luke's Hospital in Sugar Land for their excellent care and compassion. The family also expresses its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Merkelz , the nursing staff, and therapists at Sugar Land Health Care Center for their loving care, gentleness, understanding, support, positive outlook, smiles, sense of humor, patience, and ability to bring joy in the midst of difficult circumstances.

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Hurleigh Pence

January 30, 1931 - August 18, 2012