Charles "Charlie" Gurley

Charles L. Gurley, affectionately known as Charlie, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on March 16, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 88. Born on April 5, 1937, in Elizabeth County, Virginia, Charlie lived a life marked by dedication and service and was proud to call Virginia Beach his lifelong home.

Charlie devoted his career to the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department, where he served as a Master Firefighter for 36 years. He simultaneously served as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, culminating in over 50 years of service and earning him the rare honor of a presidential award for excellence in volunteerism, with over 40,000 hours served. His commitment to public safety and his community was unwavering and left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to work alongside him.

On February 10, 1990, Charlie married the love of his life, Lorraine Victoria Gurley. Together they shared many beautiful years travelling, visiting casinos, and spending time with their children and grandchildren, until Lorraine's passing in 2022. Preceding him in death, Lorraine was a cherished partner whose memory Charlie held dear. Also preceding him was his beloved big brother, William Rex Gurley, Sr., and two sisters, Glennie Nell Vandergraft and Gloria Jean Philips.

He is survived by his loving family, including his children: Jennifer McInnis and her husband Larry, Aimee Greco and her husband Eric, and Regina Barco and her husband Tim. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dorsey J. Gurley. Charlie was a proud grandfather to Devin White and his wife Chloe, Kyle Greco and his wife Ann, Anthony and Victoria Chiusano, Celia Robinson and her husband Griffin, Jeffrey, Kemp and Tess Greco, Tucker and Bennett Barco, and Christopher McInnis, each of whom brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: William Rex Gurley, Jr. and wife Jill, David Michael, and Raymond Keith Gurley. He is also remembered fondly by his brother and sister firefighters and rescue squad members, and numerous friends who were touched by his kindness and warmth.

A Catholic mass to honor Charlie's life will be held on April 17th at 10:00 am at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, located at 1404 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, with a reception to follow at the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, 740 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Father Steve Deleon will officiate the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.altmeyerfh.com, where those who knew and loved Charlie can share their memories and express their sympathies. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, 740 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, or Vigilant Watch, Inc., P.O. Box 68264, Virginia Beach, VA 23471.

Charlie will be deeply missed, but his legacy of service and love will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.