Lee Garrett ("Nick") Gurley (age 82) went to Glory Land on November 21, 2022 surrounded by
family at his home. He was born in Person County, North Carolina, the son of George and Lillie
Pearl Gurley.
Lee is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janice Schoolcraft Gurley, and their children Greg
Gurley (Robin), Marlina Gurley Smith, and Kelly Gurley Roberts (Shawn), as well as
grandchildren Logan Morris, Cody Purvis, Philip Gurley, Evan Gurley, Shawn ("Beau") Roberts,
and Lillie Pearl Roberts, great granddaughters Maisie and Josie Purvis who will make their
arrival in the coming weeks, his sisters Shelby Worley (David), and Sylvia Raybon, as well as
many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and good friends and brothers
and sisters in Christ.
Lee moved multiple times as a young boy until his family settled in the 50's in Charlottesville,
VA, where he graduated from Lane High School (class of 1958) and the Jefferson School of
Commerce. He worked for the Monticello Dairy and went on to join the United States Marine
Corps where he served from 1963-1967. He worked at Sperry Marine for twenty years, and
upon retirement Lee owned and operated "Pappy's Antiques" at Crossroads Store in North
Garden. Thereafter, he returned to work at University of Virginia facilities management, finally
retiring in 2007.
Lee is also known for singing and playing the guitar and upright bass in the bluegrass band,
"Charley Leake and the Virginia Mountain Boys" for many years. He served as deacon at
Calvary Baptist Church in Charlottesville and was a member of Mt. Ed Baptist Church. It was
common at family gatherings or church events for him to have his guitar in the car just in case
someone wanted to hear a little gospel music.
We rejoice in knowing Lee is greeted by many loved ones who preceded him in death, and is
most likely giving them all one of his signature high five handshakes, with a big smile on his
face.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Prichard, his staff and the nurses at the Sentara Martha
Jefferson Cancer Center. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff at the Hospice of the
Piedmont.
A private graveside service for family will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Charlottesville, VA,
officiated by Lee's brother in law, Pastor David McCall of Slaty Fork, West Virginia. A memorial
service will be held Saturday, November 26th, 2022 at 2:00PM at Mt. Ed Baptist Church, 1606
Craigs Store Road, Afton, VA, officiated by Pastor Ron Nickell. In lieu of flowers, donations may
be made to "someone who needs it. " (as Lee would say).