Walter Allen Gurley

Walter Allen Gurley (Allen) passed away on Friday June 27, 2025 at the age of 94 surrounded by friends and family. Allen was born July 18, 1930 near Goldsboro, North Carolina to George Allen Gurley and Louise Estelle Gurley (Jones). He attended North Carolina State where he earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. After enlisting in the Air Force, he was sent to Florida State University (where he met the love of his life) and earned a Master’s degree in Meteorology. He served in the Air Force for 3 years where he provided critical weather reports for NATO maneuvers over France and Germany. The next phase of his life was focused on raising a family in Maryland and re-starting his technical career. He earned a subsequent Masters degree in the MBA program at George Washington University while working at Western Electric in Baltimore City. Always an eager volunteer, Allen began 30 years of involvement with the Boy Scouts of America and United Methodist Men organizations.

After retiring (from AT&T) to Nokomis, Florida, Allen began volunteering at Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church, Red Cross and Lion’s Club. An avid traveler, Allen visited the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, China, Australia, Africa, and the Holy Lands in Israel. Throughout the years, he remained a passionate fan of NC State, especially the Wolfpack basketball team.

He is survived by his brother George Gurley (Madel Gurley), wife of 70 years June Gurley, daughter Kathy Hoff (Timothy Hoff), sons George Gurley (Mary Slicher) and David Gurley (Amy Medd) and his beloved grandchildren Emily Best (Jonathon Best), Michael Hoff (Caroline Hoff), Benjamin Gurley (Madison Messina) and Samuel Gurley (Abbey Gurley).

Charitable contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Venice Lion’s Club (1289 Jacaranda Blvd, Venice, FL 34292 941-837-2789), or Red Cross (2001 Cantu Ct, Sarasota, FL 34232, 941-379-9300).