Lee Garrett “Nick” Gurley, 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; 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 memorial service was held November 26 at Mt. Ed Baptist Church, 1606 Craigs Store Road, Afton, officiated by Pastor Ron Nickell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “someone who needs it” (as Lee would s
