Paul Bruce Hursey

Paul Bruce Hursey died peacefully on January 26, 2018, after a sudden and brief illness. Bruce, as he was known, was born in Lufkin, Texas, on October 25, 1941. He studied architectural construction at Texas A & M University and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry and wood technology from Louisiana State University. While finishing his master’s degree at LSU, Bruce met his late wife, Linda, of nearly 50 years. They married in Baton Rouge, and together they shared a wonderful life living in Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas before settling in Monroe in 1986.

Bruce was a loving father to two children and their spouses: Linda Leigh Vaccaro (Mike) of Hillsdale, N.J., Paul Flynn Hursey (Lori) of Benton, La. He was beloved “Granddad” to Gavin Reese Hursey and Audrey Caroline Hursey also of Benton, La. He is also survived by sister Leah Kristen Hursey of Baton Rouge, sister-in-law Colleen Hursey Dunstane of Alexandria, brother-in-law Malcolm W. Flynn and wife, Debbie, of Osyka, Miss., several nephews and a niece.

Bruce is preceded in death by his daughter Laura Kristen Hursey, brother Steven Karl Hursey and parents Paul Frank and Floreen Rowe Hursey.
Bruce began his career in wood products first as a manager of plywood and hardwood lumber plants for Weyerhaeuser in Philadelphia, Miss. He served as vice president of operations for Arkansas Oak Flooring Co/W.S. Fox & Sons in Sheridan, Ark., before joining International Paper where he managed a plant near Gurdon, Ark. He then became manager of manufacturing services for IP in Dallas. After serving as plant manager for Riverwood International, Bruce founded Management Recruiters of Monroe in 1990, an executive search firm specializing in the manufacturing and wood products industry.
In retirement Bruce lent his expertise and leadership to his church and Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita, where he was most recently serving as president of the Board of Directors. He became acquainted with Habitat through his church, First United Methodist Church in Monroe. Bruce chaired the Finance, Stewardship and Staff-Parish Relations committees as well as the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees over the past 30 years. He also coordinated the church’s “Methodist Menders,” a ministry that builds wheelchair ramps for those in need.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday January 30, at First United Methodist Church in Monroe with the Revs. Lynn Malone and J. Roddy Taylor officiating. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. at the church. Interment to follow on January 31 at Rose Hedge Cemetery, Gurdon, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Ouachita, 1220 N. 18th, Suite 303, Monroe, LA 71201 (http://www.hfho.org) or First United Methodist Church Monroe, 3900 Loop Road, Monroe, LA 71201 (http://www.fumcmonroela.org/give).

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA