April 14, 2022, 86, Goldsboro –

Joseph Harold Gurley, age 86, went home to be with the Lord while a resident at NC State Veterans Home in Kinston. A lifelong resident of Wayne County, he was born to the late Joseph Edgar Gurley and the late Gela Gurley in the Nahunta Community. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Rose Gurley, his brother, Edmond Gurley,  his daughter in law, Cindy Gurley, his son in law, Sam Baker and a brother-in-law, Clement Thompson. In 1962, he accepted Christ as his Savior and was a member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years in various roles.

Harold was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean Conflict. He had a great love for our country and at times as he shared memories of his service days would become emotional just thinking back to those times of war. In earlier years, Harold was a Safety Manager for Stackhouse, Inc. and then became a well-known insurance salesman.

Harold loved his family dearly and always enjoyed spending time with them every chance he had. He especially loved being “PaPa” to his grandchildren who added so much joy to his life. He had a very special place in his heart for his devoted dear wife, Dorothy and for his children.

He looked forward to special times shared with friends at various restaurants just enjoying the time and fellowship together.

A service to celebrate Harold’s life will be held on Monday at 1:00 pm at Faith Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Christian Powell and Rev. Dann Patrick officiating.  The family will greet friends Monday from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at the church. Burial with military honors will follow in  Evergreen Cemetery.

Harold is survived by his wife, Dorothy Britt Gurley; a son, Jeff Gurley and his children, Mary Catherine (Bryan) Talton and their daughter, Ella Rose Talton; Nicholas Todd (Madison) Gurley and their children, Eleanor, Gibson and Callahan Gurley; Joseph Gurley and his son, J.L. Gurley; his daughters, Mitzi Hansley and her husband, David,  and their children, Derrick (Jessica) Hansley and their daughter, Emory; Ken (Jennifer) Hansley and their children, Drake and Luci Hansley; Kesha Gooding and her daughter, Ardin (Ryland and Easton); and Michael Hansley and his daughter, Michelle; and Suzie Baker and her children, Cole (MaKayla) Baker and their daughter Kyndall Baker; and Cale Baker; his brothers, Woodard “Woody” Gurley and his wife, Ruby, and Walter Gurley; his sister, Melva Jean Thompson.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral  Home is serving the Gurley family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.