David Rodney Gurley Sr., 76, of Tallmadge, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

He was born in Akron on November 24, 1946 to the late Huston C. and Lois M. {Riggins} Gurley. David worked as a paramedic and firefighter for the City of Akron Fire Department, retiring as a Lieutenant after over 25 years of service. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Army in which he was awarded a double bronze star for his heroic service. David was an avid listener of Jazz music, loved to read books and enjoyed cooking a nice meal while creating quite a mess in the kitchen.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his siblings Thomas Gurley, Ronniel Brooks, Huston "Sonny" Gurley Jr., and his former spouse Loretta Gurley. Left to cherish David’s memory are his children, Renee (Reginald) Bennett, David R. (Diane) Gurley Jr., Laurenthia Gurley, Christopher Gurley, Detra Gurley, Michael (Bobbi) Gurley, Lois Gurley, Meshaela Gurley, Naomi (Hugo) Marquez, Aaron Gurley. Grandchildren; Reginald Jr., Brittany, Richard, Tyler, Jonathan, Jimmy, Kendall, Kristopher, Malik, Andrea, Halimah, Chris Jr., Leiah, Keenan, Essence, Jada, Tierra, Ashlee, Iesha, Bobbie, Favian, Micah, Nina, Jamie, Callie and 19 Great Grandchildren. Siblings; Mary Rucker, Sylvia Collins, Michael Rucker, John Rucker, William Rucker; former spouse Anne Gurley; and a host of nieces, nephews as well as additional family and friends.

A procession will line up on Friday, June 16th at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 at 12:30 p.m., leaving no later than 12:45 p.m. to proceed to his well-deserved Military Honors and Last Alarm Ceremony at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at 1:45 p.m.

All are welcome to visit and share fond memories at the funeral home on Saturday, June 17th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. To leave a special message for the family online, please scroll below.

David's memorial celebration will be livestreamed at the scheduled time. Click Here to view the service.