Edward Gurley

Major Edward Earl Gurley (USA-ret) of Goodyear, AZ died on May 26, 2013. He was born in Goldsboro, NC on August 2, 1930, moving with his family to California following WWII. While attending San Jose State University he was drafted and spent 18 months in the army in the Korean Conflict. Serving with the 25th Infantry Division – Wolfhounds, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart for being wounded. After returning home from Korea, he subsequently joined the California National Guard where he spent 33 years reaching the rank of major. During his time in the National Guard he was present at the Watts Riots and Berkeley Demonstrations in the 1960s. In the summers he would train Military Police at Camp San Luis Obispo and at Camp Roberts, often vacationing with his family in one of his favorite locations: San Luis Obispo, CA. In 1960 Ed joined the San Jose Fire Department remaining for 27 years. While at Fire Station Number One, he met and later married his wife of 45years. Ed was also an electrician, working many jobs in his spare time. He raised 7 children in the rural, east foothills of San Jose, CA. Upon retirement to Pebble Creek, AZ, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, family, playing golf and traveling, especially to Baja California. He was an active member of the: Association of Retired San Jose Police Officers & Firefighters, and Military Officers Association. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucette; 7 children and 12 grandchildren. Ed will be interred at the National Memorial Military Cemetery of Arizona. A memorial service and military tribute will be held on Saturday, July 13th at 4pm at the Church at Pebble Creek Eagle's Nest, 3645 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear, AZ 85395.  Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.  To better coordinate floral arrangements, the family requests all flowers to be ordered from Thompson’s Flower Shop.