Gerald Linden “Lynn” Hurst, the longtime general and advertising manager for Virginia Media’s newspapers of which The Salem Times-Register is a part of, is being remembered by colleagues as a dedicated leader, a caring friend, and an “old school newspaper man” who worked tirelessly to keep the presses running on time.
Hurst, 65, of Roanoke, died unexpectedly on June 13. Over the years, he worked in advertising and management roles at several local papers, including The Roanoke Times, Bedford Bulletin, Vinton Messenger, and Salem TimesRegister. Most recently, he served as general manager for the Salem-based Virginia Media group.
While his professional focus was on advertising, production and operations, his impact extended well beyond the back room. Those who worked alongside him remember his unwavering presence in the office, his loyalty to his team, and his devotion to his family—including his cherished dog, Beanie.
“Lynn was a hard-working advertising director who was proud of his family, loved his motorcycle and especially his dog, Beanie,” said Meg Hibbert, former editor of The Salem Times-Register and The New Castle Record.
Debbie Adams, a staff writer for The Vinton Messenger, recalled Lynn’s early encouragement when she first began writing for the paper after retiring from teaching.
“Lynn was the General Manager, and he was endlessly patient in teaching me what I needed to know, in answering the most basic of questions, and in always encouraging me,” she said. “He truly cared about his work and producing a good paper. He was endlessly kind and always treated me like a friend, not an employee.”
Adams also remembered his personal warmth. “The first time I met him, I felt like I had known him forever. I most remember the days he would stop in Vinton for Fall Festival, the Dogwood Festival, or another event to help man the Vinton Messenger booth and share stories about his family—especially his wife and beloved daughter—along with tales of his dog, fishing, and Smith Mountain Lake.”
Tucker Frye, who worked in advertising with Hurst, shared his own personal memories: “I worked with Lynn for over 10 years and you could count on certain things. He would always have a Coke nearby and when he brought his dog in he was a much happier person to deal with. I will miss you and hope you are keeping an eye on the deadlines for us.”
Michael Showell, publisher of Virginia Media, called Hurst “a force to be considered.”
“Lynn was an old school newspaper man. He took his responsibilities seriously, attention to detail and above all deadlines were paramount to him,” Showell said. “He protected those that reported to him by ensuring that nothing would interfere with them getting their job done on time and at the highest level of quality possible.”
That same dedication was evident to others on the team.
“He was always in the office and present when decisions needed to be made,” said Debbie Nixon, longtime graphics coordinator and designer. “He made sure everything was running smoothly and that the newspapers always looked good coming off the press. He routinely would ask me how my family was doing and how my parents were getting along (both were in their 80’s). He genuinely cared and it meant a lot to me.”
Nixon added: “He would also talk about his family and especially Allison, who he adored. He was a really good person and I was glad to have known him and to call him my friend.”
Brian Hoffman, sports editor for The Salem Times-Register, also recalled Hurst’s steadiness and humanity.
“He was always in the office during working hours and made sure things were running smoothly,” Hoffman said. “I’ll never forget the time he called me into the office right when the insurrection was starting on January 6. We sat there and watched on his computer in disbelief.”
“He loved his dog Beanie and when he brought Beanie to the office everyone just adored him. He would curl up under my desk and if Lynn couldn’t find him that would be the first place he would look,” Hoffman said. “Most importantly, he was a good guy.”
Kathy Hunter, Virginia Media’s executive business director, summed it up simply: “Lynn was dedicated to this company from daylight till dark. We were not only co-workers but friends. He had a true passion for his job and family. I will truly miss him.”
Matt de Simone, editor of The Fincastle Herald and The Vinton Messenger, expressed gratitude for his mentorship. “I learned a lot from him while working in the Salem office, and I’ll always be grateful for the time we worked together,” he said. “Wishing peace to Lynn’s family and all who knew him.”
Ed McCoy, former executive editor of Virginia Media, appreciated Hurst’s professionalism and respect for editorial independence.
“Lynn was great to work with as a publisher,” McCoy said. “He understood the separation of the reporting and advertising sides of the several community newspapers that are part of our family, which made the editors’ jobs much easier. Most folks never see the backroom work that it takes to produce a publication. Lynn was masterful in orchestrating that work.”
Born Dec. 6, 1959, in Alexandria, Va., Hurst spent most of his life in Roanoke. He loved riding his motorcycle through the mountains, fishing on Smith Mountain Lake, and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patsy Hurst Neely, and his beloved dog, Beanie. He is survived by his wife, Faye; daughter, Allison; father, Wayne Hurst; and three brothers.
Services were held June 19 and 20 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel and Old Dominion Memorial Gardens.
As one colleague wrote: “He was a really good person… and I was glad to call him my friend.”
