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Martin B. Gourley Rogersville, TN QCWA # 17220 Chapter 182 |
ROGERSVILLE - Martin Bailey Gourley, 89, of Rogersville went to be with the Lord Tuesday (Feb. 5, 2013) at Wellmont Hawkins County Memorial Hospital.
He was born on June 22, 1923 in Johnson City, Tenn. and grew up in Southwest Virginia. He was the second oldest of eleven children and the son of a coal miner. Martin graduated as valedictorian of his senior class at Clinch County High School.
After high school, he served four years in the Army Air Force. While serving he met his wife of 66 years, Helen. At the age of 23 he married and later had three children, Wayne, Martha, and Thomas.
For thirty years, Martin worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority and was trained to become a Steam Plant Assistant Operator. While working hard to support his family, he kept active outside of work. Some of Martin's interests included working with the Boy Scouts over 30 years, teaching Spanish, being a HAM radio operator, and making others smile.
Martin was part of the Masonic Lodge, traveled many places with the Boy Scouts, was a Spanish translator, and has always lent a helping hand.
Martin's greatest talent was making others smile. His laughter and positive spirit were contagious, and he could always light up a crowd. His heart is larger than life and he's always been ready to help out those who were in need.
Hawkins County Color Guard and Tennessee Army National Guard Military Services, The Overton Masonic Lodge Rites and Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Christian-Sells Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends following the services. Memorial donations may be made to the Youth Ministry of The Rogersville First United Methodist Church.