Oscar Max Hurley ("Max") of West Jefferson, NC, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Ashe Assisted Living Center. He was 82 years old.

Max was born on June 28, 1935 in Ashe County to the late Oscar and Mary Julia Severt Hurley. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Michael, and by his siblings, Bryce Hurley, Jack Hurley, Raymond Hurley and Edith Hurley Cook.

Max is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Wanda Eller Hurley of West Jefferson; daughter, Shannon Hurley and her husband Graham Green of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Garrison Luke Green and Julia Grace Green of Winston-Salem; sisters, Judy Neaves, and husband Bob of West Jefferson, Barbara Authenrieth of West Jefferson, Ruby Cox, and husband Vann, of Pilot Mountain; and sister Willa Gray Bauer, and husband Jeff of Winston-Salem. Max is also survived by many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins.

Max led a remarkable and accomplished life marked by his love of Jesus Christ, his family and drag racing. When Max returned home from the Army in 1962, he began operating his service station, WJ Gulf, and later, Max Hurley Auto Parts. He won his first drag race in a 1962 Pontiac and, in his words, "caught the fever." With helping hands from many of his family and friends, he went on to win 15 national events and 9 runner-up titles. He traveled all over the US and won over 280 races during his career. Remarkably, Max was both engine builder and driver. He was especially known for Hemi engine builds and racing his 1968 LO23 Dodge Dart 426 Hemi. In recent years, Max was inducted into the East Coast Times Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the Ashe County Sports Hall of Fame. Those who raced against Max often said he was" the man to beat" at most races. Before retiring, he operated the service station and then auto parts store for almost 40 years in West Jefferson.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the amazing staff of caregivers at Ashe Assisted Living, to Medi-Home Hospice and Nurse Yvonne, and to Rev. Rick Miller.

Max's life was celebrated on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at North Beaver Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Miller officiating. Lunch followed in the church fellowship hall.

The family requests that, in lieu of food or flowers, donations be made to North Beaver Baptist Church, 8000 NC Highway 163, West Jefferson, NC 28694, or Ashe Assisted Living, 182 ChattyRob Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with Mr. Hurley's arrangements.