Gene Gourley

Harold "Gene" Gourley, age 85, of LaFayette, Georgia was called home on Monday, March 2, 2026.

He was born on August 22, 1940, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, to the late Hurley Sumner Gourley and Willie Louise Bowers Gourley. Gene was of the Baptist faith and was a proud veteran of the United States Navy having served his country from 1959 to 1964.

Gene faithfully worked for Tennessee Valley Authority in Chattanooga, Tennessee for 43 years. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and his faith in God was an important part of who he was. In his free time, Gene enjoyed NASCAR, collecting coins and artifacts, studying Native American history, and metal detecting.

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."

Gene is survived by his wife, Melinda Gourley of LaFayette, GA; two sons, Daniel Gourley of Jasper, TN, and Kelly Clemons of LaFayette, GA; two stepsons, Bobby Freeman and Brent Freeman both of LaFayette, GA; two grandchildren, Hunter Chase Freeman and Elana Freeman both of LaFayette, GA; one great grandchild, Bailey Freeman of LaFayette, GA; and four sisters and five brothers all of Hendersonville, TN.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Chris Redman officiating.

Pallbearers will be his four sons and grandson and friend.

A visitation will take place on Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.