William H. (Bill) Gurley III, 72, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 9 after a battle with cancer.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 52 years; Kathy Gurley (Daugherty), a son; Jason Gurley of Huntsville; and a daughter and son-in-law; Michele Cost and Peter Cost of Winston-Salem, NC, and six grandsons; Benjamin, Liam and Lucas Gurley, Tristan and Rylan Pettus, and Jason Cost. He was preceded in death by his father Billy H Gurley of Iuka MS, and Martha Jo Gregg of Columbus MS.
Bill was an electrical engineer and businessman in Huntsville for more than 30 years, retiring from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in 2009 as the Executive Vice-President and General Manager. Bill’s generosity and love of his community resulted active participation in the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce and leadership roles in several philanthropy projects in Huntsville. These included co-chairing the fundraising committee for Save the Saturn V (Davidson Center), fund-raising for the Children’s Advocacy Center, and initiating SAIC’s seasonal sponsorship of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Pops Series. He and Kathy were personal supporters of the Huntsville Botanical Garden and the Space and Rocket Center.
Bill loved the water and spent as much time as possible on the Tennessee river boating and fishing. He and Kathy loved hosting gatherings, playing cards with friends, and traveling abroad. Bill worked hard, played hard, loved deeply, and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be from 12 pm to 2 pm Wednesday, June 15th followed by a short memorial service at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. At Bill’s request he was cremated and thus there will not be a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the National Children’s Advocacy Center at https://www.nationalcac.org/. Click the DONATE link in the top right-hand corner of the page.
