April 29, 2026, 81, Goldsboro – Linda Lee Gurley, 81, completed her earthly journey and entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family. Born in Wayne County on February 20, 1945, she was daughter to the late Walter Lee and Ethel Mae Daniels Lee.
For 59 years, Linda devoted herself to her work at Goldsboro Van and Storage, where her strong work ethic, perseverance, and leadership eventually led her to become the owner. She took great pride in her work and built not only a business, but lasting relationships within her community.
Beyond her professional life, Linda’s true passion was softball. She was a devoted fan in every sense of the word, loving the game and everything it represented. Linda spent countless hours coaching and mentoring young athletes, pouring into the lives of the girls she coached and leaving a lasting impact both on and off the field. Her commitment to the sport and to the development of others earned her the distinguished honor of being inducted into the United States Specialty Sports Association Hall of Fame.
Linda was a woman whose heart belonged to those she loved most. Any time spent with her family meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment shared together. She found great joy in preparing and cooking meals, often gathering her loved ones around the table where laughter, stories, and love were always present. Linda especially treasured hosting her family during Thanksgiving and Christmas, creating traditions and memories that will be held close for generations.
Her faith was a guiding light in her life. Linda loved her church deeply and was a devoted member of United in Christ Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and spiritual fulfillment.
Linda will be remembered for her tireless work ethic, her generous spirit, and the way she invested in the lives of others. Her legacy lives on through the many players she mentored, the business she built, and the countless lives she touched along the way.
Linda is survived by her husband, Rex Gurley; her son, James Ellis and wife, Michelle; her step-children, Laura Davis and Billy Gurley; her sisters, Rebecca Gray and husband, John, Jan Patton and husband, Bobby, Betty Lee and Peggy Denning; her brothers, Larry Lee and wife, Kathy, Mike Lee and wife, Donna and Jerry Lee and wife, Connie; her grandchildren, Amber Crocker and Kevin Martin; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt Crocker and Charles Crocker; and several nieces and nephews including a special niece, Debbie Fields; and her sister-in-law, Janice Gurley.
In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her sisters, Janice Taylor, Edna Hill and Judy Fields; her brothers, Bill Lee, Jimmie Lee and William Lee.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at United in Christ Church. A service to honor Linda’s life will be held in the sanctuary at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Ira Williford officiating. Interment will conclude at Wayne Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family in Linda’s honor.
The family is in the care of Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home’s or family’s consent.
