James “Rockey” Gurley

James “Rockey” Gurley, 76, of Morganton, NC, went to his heavenly home on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Born in Burke County, NC on December 11, 1949, he was the son of the late Walter Gurley and Ruth Newton Hamaker.

Rockey served in the US Army from 1968 to 1976 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his service, he was a DJ for 92.1 in Morganton and served as a VP for Anevka, also in Morganton. He later moved to Florida and worked as a hospice nurse’s aide for 25 years. His hobbies included fishing and singing karaoke.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Melissa Lloyd (Jim) of the home; son, Chris Gurley (Elaine) of Flagler Beach, FL; grandchildren, Chelsea Holder (Matt), Carson Lloyd, Alex Gurley, Chelsea Carswell (Bobby), James Gurley, II (Tiffany), Autumn Gurley, Matthew Gurley, Andrew Gurley, Landon Speagle, and Caleb Gurley; great-grandchildren, Grace Foster, Kennedie Holder, Riley Holder, Elizabeth Gurley, Colson Burleson, Kinsley Burleson, Maizie Burleson, Grayson Gurley, Keegan Speagle, Alex Gurley, and Dean Carswell; sister, Aloma Mullins of Florida; brother, Billy Carswell of Morganton; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

In addition to his parents, Rockey was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Gurley; son, James “Jamie” Gurley; granddaughter, Samantha Allyson Crow Foster; and brother, Paul Hamaker.

A celebration of Rockey’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2026 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Taber officiating.

The family would like to thank Medi-Home Hospice and Autumn Care for the compassion and care shown to Rockey and family.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.