Obituary of William J. Gourley

GOURLEY, William J. Age 80, of Salisbury, NC, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home after a short decline in health on Thursday, January 26, 2012. He was a long-time resident of Big Flats. Bill was born on April 14, 1931 to William Gourley and Reba Shelp Gourley. He is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia Edger (Mark) Salisbury, NC and Michele Joiner (Mark) of Elmira; grandchildren, Lynn Chappell (Aaron Phillippi) of Kannapolis, NY, Daniel Harvey (Tara Shorter) Booneville, NC, and Andrew Joiner of Elmira; and great grandchildren, Kyli Doyle, Dominic Krelie, Tyler Sciortino, and Christian Harvey; sister, Nancy Borruso; and brother, Thomas Gourley (Marilyn); brother-in-law, Leon Scofield; nieces, nephews; and many wonderful friends. Bill was also survived by his Special Friend, Betty Yates. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 56 years, Marian Scofield Gourley; and son, Patrick Gourley. Also, he was predeceased, by his brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Kitty Gourley; his sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Eddie Yacos; and his brother-in-law, Sam Borruso. Bill was a plumbing and heating salesman for many years. He retired from ID Booth in Elmira. He loved his job and enjoyed his customers, many of them who remain friends. After retirement, Bill operated The Water Shed, a small, water pump and conditioning business from his home. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church and a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, 413 South Main Street, Horseheads, NY on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 4-7:00 p.m. Family and friends are further invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 10-11:00 a.m. where his service will follow there at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow in Rural Home Cemetery in Big Flats, NY. Those wishing may remember Bill with memorials to Southern Tier Hospice Inc., 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY, 14830 or Bethany Lutheran Church, 256 South Walnut Street, Elmira, NY, 14904. Special thanks to Dr. Dayakar Reddy and his nurse, Barb, for their dedicated care while Bill lived in NY.