James Terry Gurley at the age of 75 died peacefully at home after an extended illness on June 23, 2024. Terry was born on March 18, 1949, in Tupelo and also raised; he was the son of James Morris Gurley and Mary Francis Easterling Gurley. During his younger years he enjoyed skiing and boating on Pickwick Lake with his family. Following his Tupelo High School graduation, he attended Itawamba Junior College and Ole Miss. Terry began his career at MidSouth Packers, during his tenure he met his future wife, Barbara Thornton. They married on January 27, 1973. He continued his career with Ford Motor Credit until joining his father at their family restaurant, Gurley’s. Terry continued the family tradition and expanded it to Guntown in 2000. Although not professional, Terry was a hobbyist food critic, offering his expert opinion even when not requested. In 2021, Terry hung up his apron and retired. Throughout his life, Terry also ran a cow calf operation; today the business is still operating with the second generation at the reins. During his retirement he presided as President of the board over the North Lee County Water Association. He was a longtime member of Birmingham Ridge Baptist Church.
Terry is survived by his two children, Jimmy Gurley (Darla), and Lynn Hall (Michael) both of Guntown; six grandchildren, Emmie Roberts, Alex Hall, Blake Price, Addison Price, Lindsey Roberts, and Lila Kate Hall; one great-granddaughter, Caroline Fondren, one brother, Tommy Gurley, brother-in-law, Doug Thornton (Pat); nephews, Casey Thornton (Anna) and Joseph Thornton (Kellie); and four great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 47 years before her death in 2020, Barbara Gurley; mother-in-law, Myrtle Lee Thornton, and father-in-law, Alton Thornton.
Visitation will be 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Pegues, Saltillo.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the Saltillo Chapel of Pegues with Bro. Bobby Holland officiating. Private graveside services will follow at Campbelltown Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bill Easterling, Tommy Bradsher, Joey Wilburn, Eddie Wilburn, Don Long, and Robert Long.
Honorary pallbearers will be the North Lee County Water Association board members.
Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House.
