Thomas Sherman Gourley, Jr. of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Coffee Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Mr. Gourley, Jr. was born near Broxton, Georgia in Coffee County on October 28, 1935, to Thomas Sherman Gourley, Sr., born in 1885 in Blount County, Tennessee, and Pearl Emerline Roark, born in 1894 in Carter County, Tennessee. Thomas was the youngest of 10 children.
He graduated from Broxton High School on May 30, 1955. The following year he enrolled in the United States Air Force as an Airman and graduated from Air Training Command at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas as an Aircraft Mechanic. For four years he served in the Air Force on various assignments stateside and around the world working on military aircraft. Honorably discharged in 1960, he later regaled his family with many interesting stories from his Air Force days.
In 1961 he was baptized into the Christian faith at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Zellwood, Florida.
Thomas married Winifred Jeanne Merier on June 21, 1964; the couple thereafter resided in Douglas. In 1966 Bruce Thomas Gourley was born, and in 1968 Timothy Merier Gourley was born. For many years thereafter, Thomas and Winifred coordinated Gourley annual family reunions. They also faithfully attended two churches over time, Eastside Baptist Church in Douglas and Faith Chapel Baptist Church near Douglas. Thomas was a devoted deacon and Sunday School teacher in both congregations. He worked as an automobile mechanic at Kibbey Chevrolet and Anderson Pontiac GMC. He is remembered as a fun-loving husband and father who worked hard, loved the outdoors, had a strong faith and was generous in spirit.
He is survived by his Wife: Winifred Merier Gourley of Douglas, Two Sons: Bruce Thomas Gourley of Gallatin County, Montana and Timothy M. Gourley of Douglas, Granddaughter: Elizabeth Gourley, Daughter of Bruce and his wife Debra and Sister: Gladys Virginia Davis of Douglas.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, 2 pm, December 6, 2022 at the Douglas City Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Gourley officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Obituary was provided by the family.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.