Robert Emmett Gurley, Sr. passed away Saturday, Nov. 7. He was born to parents William Benjamin Gurley and Evie Mae Branum Gurley and grew up in Gurley, Alabama. He married the love of his life, Leona Justine (Cricket) Cobb in 1944 in Ringgold, Georgia. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II, stationed in Japan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers, Ed, Alvie and Marvin Gurley and a son-in-law, James Hood.
He worked for Western Auto as a salesman and then Miller Furniture and Appliance. He was a member of West Huntsville United Methodist Church for more than 50 years where, for several of those decades, he sang in the choir and played guitar. Mr. Gurley was a member of Free & Accepted Masons of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, Helion #1, Gurley #521, and Endeavor Day #934. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry KCCH and the Huntsville York Rite Bodies, Huntsville Commandery No. 7 Knights Templar, Knights of the York Cross of Honour as well as the Cahaba Shriners International and Woodmen of the World. His dedication to the Masonic brotherhood was evident through his many years of service and offices held. Throughout his membership tenure, he made many friends and was well-respected for his character and commitment. He was always ready to help someone in need and was a true friend to others. He loved traditional country music and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing his favorite songs. He was deeply devoted to his wife of 56-years and they shared a profound love until her death in 2001.
He is survived by a daughter, Sandra Gurley Hood of Huntsville, AL and a son, Robert E. (Bob) Gurley, Jr. of Birmingham, AL and wife Denise; four grandchildren, Carrie Hood Johnson (Eddy) of Cocoa, FL, Melissa Hood Bullard (Brad) of Harvest, AL , Barry Gurley (Amy) and April Gurley Owen (Brandon) of Birmingham, AL; and seven great-grandchildren, Eric and Kate Bullard of Harvest, AL, Allison Johnson of Cocoa, FL, Annaleigh and Adalyn Owen and John and Miller Winford all of Birmingham, AL; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.
Visitation for Robert will be Thursday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Valhalla Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will begin at 11:00 am at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel. Robert will be Laid to Rest in Valhalla Memory Gardens.
