David L. Gurley

Worcester-David L. Gurley, age 55, passed away peacefully at UMASS Memorial Hospital on Saturday, November 28, 2020. He was born in Tabernacle Village Saint Kitts British West Indies on February 27,1965 the oldest son of Edwin (John James) and Gwendolyn Gurley. David was affectionately known as "John John". Dave, was from a long family lineage of farmers and entrepreneurs. Dave worked in the family business for the first eight years of his life, he milked cows, fed chickens, slopped hogs, fed goats, watered cattle and grew produce; all this to provide for the needs of his family and the village where they lived, he was living his best life. He was raised at that time by his grandparents Benjamin and Elizabeth Theodosia (Henry) Jeffrey. His father and mother then moved Dave to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to obtain the necessary education and fulfill their life's dreams of providing greater opportunities for their children. He received his education from Nisky Elementary School, Wayne Aspinall Junior High School and Charlotte Amalie High School. David was a track star, weightlifter, musician (guitarist) and psalmist. David was always self-taught, from a very young age he loved taking things apart to see how they worked then putting them back together; so it was no surprise when he pursued the profession of maintenance Supervisor, plumber, electrician, carpenter, he believed that if it was in a book then I can do it. Dave had the genuine heart of a giver; he would give his last if you needed it and do without until God blessed him with more. He spent much of his life giving to family, friends and strangers of his talents and resources. Dave was survived by his only grand-daughter Akaila Gurley and her mother Kimberly Ballinger; his siblings Elroy Philip, Ruth Cannon (Gurley), Angerla Gurley-Carty, Norman Gurley, Paul Gurley, and Glenvil Gurley Aunts and Uncles: Josephine (Josie) Christensen, Simeon (Joseph) Elliot, Cedric Vanterpool, Eustace (George) Jeffrey, Cecil (Sam) Henry, Eldred (Cooly) Henry, Ervin (Ovin) Henry, Frances (Margretan) Henry and Patricia (Patsy) Johnson. Nieces & Nephews: Lamarcus Ellis & Eric Philip; Lemuel & Ezra Cannon; Kayla Johnson; Diquan, Kiana and Norman Gurley Jr.; Corey, G'ayani and Ga'Liyah Gurley and Santino Provencher. Close friends Llewellyn Rhymer; Alfonso and Carmina Knight; co-workers from Fairfield Residents; and Talia Apartments and numerous cousins. He is preceded by his only son Akai Gurley, his father Edwin (John James) Gurley, mother Gwendolyn Gurley and grand-mother Elizabeth Theodosia Henry (Jeffrey); and Aunt Catherine Goodard. Family and friends will gather to celebrate David's life on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 1:30 at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA 01608. Burial will follow in Tabernacle Village, Saint Kitts British West Indies where David called his true home. Dave was greatly loved, admired and will surely be missed by all. To view a live video broadcast of David's Funeral Service on Saturday, December 19th, Please visit the following link at 1:30 p.m. Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/41666128