Memorial service set for late Tuscaloosa News sports columnist Cecil Hurt

A memorial service for Cecil Hurt, longtime sports columnist at The Tuscaloosa News, has been scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa.

Hurt died at 62 last week from complications from pneumonia.

He started at The Tuscaloosa News in 1982 and was promoted to columnist/sports editor in 1987. He covered University of Alabama football, basketball, baseball and other sports for nearly four decades while also serving as the voice of the newspaper's sports section. He also covered other community sports and was part of The Tuscaloosa News' Pulitzer Prize-winning team that covered the 2011 tornado that devastated the city and surrounding areas.

A reception for family and friends will follow the service.

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In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be directed to the Cecil Hurt memorial scholarship fund at the University of Alabama to support deserving UA students.

To contribute: give.ua.edu/cecil or contact UA Office of Advancement Services 205.348.5370.