William “Bill” Gurley, 86, of Aurora, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

A man of faith, Bill loved the Lord Jesus Christ and served him faithfully. He was an active member of Foundation Life Fellowship for 30 years, always willing to serve others. He proudly served as a paratrooper in the 187th Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was retired from TexasGulf (later PCS Phosphate) with nearly 30 years of dedicated service. He was a volunteer and had served as a board member of the Beaufort County Red Cross. Bill loved to fish and spend time growing flowers and vegetables in his garden. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and friend to many and will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Coffey Gurley; three children, Gregory Gurley, Sabrina Gurley and Mario Gurley; sister-in-law who he raised as his daughter, Tina Russell; brother, Raymond Gantt; brother of the heart, Kevin Battle; grandson, Vernanza Gurley; special friend who he called “daughter #2,” Mary Brown; special friend, Robin Garrison; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 18, 2018, at Cotten Funeral Home. Homegoing service will be noon on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Foundation Life Fellowship, with Pastor Cal Langford officiating. Burial will follow at the family cemetery in Aurora.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.