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 Cobb (Cricket) in 1944 in Ringgold, Georgia. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II, stationed in Japan. 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 choir and played guitar.He was a member of Woodmen of the World, Helion #1, Gurley #521, and Endeavor Day #934 of F & AM of the Grand Lodge of Alabama. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry KCCH and the Huntsville York Rite Bodies as well as the Cahaba Shriners International. 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, Melissa Hood Bullard (Brad) of Harvest, AL, Carrie Hood Johnson (Eddy) of Cocoa, FL, Barry Gurley (Amy) and April Gurley Owen (Brandon) of Birmingham, AL; and five great-grandchildren, Eric and Kate Bullard of Harvest, AL, Allison Johnson of Cocoa, FL and Annaleigh and Adalyn Owen of Birmingham, AL; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation for Robert will be held Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Valhalla Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Service with military honors will be Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel. Robert will be Laid to Rest at Valhalla Memory Gardens.
