Arthur Edward Gurley, 83, of Austin, TX passed away on Monday, January 13, 2020. Art was born in Austin on July 6, 1936. He graduated from Austin High School. Art began his career at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shortly after that. He joined the Army in July 1958 and served for six months at Ft. Chaffee Arkansas. He continued in the Army Reserves until June 1964. Art married Charlotte Irene Bales of Kyle on July 17, 1959. Art returned to the IRS after the Army and worked in various positions for 44 years retiring on December 31, 1999.
Spending his entire life in Austin and his 44 years at IRS, Art made many lifelong friendships. If you ever met him it was easy to find yourself as his new friend with his warm heart and genuine kindness. Art was an amazing father who was always there to support his children. After raising their children Art and Charlotte spent many of the following years traveling together and enjoying their grandchildren. When Charlotte passed away in 2002 Art stepped up as the patriarch of the family and devoted his life to his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. He always had a kind word, shared his worldly advice, loved to pull pranks, joke around, put a smile on your face or make you laugh. He had many hobbies but his favorite had to be fishing which was a time he cherished being with friends and family. He also served in many volunteer and civic roles which was a testament to his selfless giving.
Art was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Laura (Pecht) Gurley, aunt Mary Pecht who raised him and his wife Charlotte Bales Gurley who passed away on June 1, 2002.
Art is survived by his brother Jesse Gurley of Austin, three children and their spouses: Greg and Kelly Gurley of Manchaca, TX, Jennifer and Rick Werner of Oshkosh, WI and Melissa and Kevin Foley of Kyle, TX. Four grandchildren: Dana Pompa and husband Erik Pompa of Buda, Jordan Gurley and fiancé Nate Alvarado of San Antonio, Drake Foley of Kyle and Madison Foley of Kyle. One great granddaughter: Ambrie Pompa of Buda.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 24th from 5:00-8:00pm at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Service will be held at Hays Hills Baptist Church in Buda on Saturday, January 25th at 10:00am. Graveside service will follow at Kyle Cemetery and the family will then return to Hays Hills for a lunch reception.
Pallbearers: David Smith, Kevin Schnautz, Denny Gosser, Erik Pompa, Nate Alvarado and Drake Foley.
In lieu of flowers if you would like to make a donation to a cause important to Art, donations can be sent to Restore and Rebuild Transitional Housing Ministry at Hays Hills, 1401 Farm to Market 1626, Buda, TX 78610.
