We are saddened to learn of the passing of George A. Hurt, MD, an accomplished neurosurgeon, generous Lynchburg philanthropist and compassionate champion for patients and his beloved community. He passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the age of 86.
During his career, Dr. Hurt helped to establish the Lynchburg Neurological Center, which marked a new era in local neurological care. During his medical tenure, he served on the boards of Virginia Baptist Hospital and Centra for a combined 15 years, and on the board of the Centra Foundation for over 30 years. In addition, he served on other local boards to benefit the community.
He earned the UVA Medical Alumni Association’s Outstanding Medical Alumnus Award in 2010, was an honoree at the 2020 Centra Celebration, the Centra Foundation’s fundraising gala, and was a veteran. He entered the military through the Doctor’s Draft and served his country as an Army Captain.
“Dr. Hurt was guided by a deep desire to provide the best possible care for each and every patient as well as the community at large,” said Centra Board Chair Thomas Nygaard, MD. “Over the course of his incredible career, he tackled challenging cases, took uncountable nights of call, saved lives and became Lynchburg’s most respected and iconic physician. From the operating room to the boardroom, Dr. Hurt was involved in every aspect of healthcare in central Virginia. His dedication and philanthropy should serve as a model for all physicians.”
As an inaugural member and the longest-serving member of Centra Foundation’s board, he held various roles over the years, including board chair and vice chair, and supported initiatives to advance nursing education, healthcare access and innovative care.
Major philanthropic gifts through the Centra Foundation from Dr. Hurt and his wife, Cinda, included an endowment to establish the Virginia Henderson Nursing Education Fund, named in honor of Mrs. Hurt’s aunt, support for the establishment of the Holcombe H. Hurt Community Health Center, named in honor of Dr. Hurt’s father, and, recently, innovative technology that revolutionized brain and spinal surgery at Centra.
In 2023, the Centra Board of Directors presented Dr. Hurt with a proclamation recognizing the couple’s outstanding generosity over several decades.
“Patients, the Centra Foundation, and everyone in our community benefited greatly – and will continue to benefit long into the future – from Dr. Hurt’s incredible generosity, wisdom and guidance,” said Centra Foundation Board Chair Carolyn Jacques. “He was a much beloved professional, valued member of our community and leader who dedicated his life to giving back. We will always remember him fondly.”
