Jimmy Gourley

Jimmy "Bear" Charles Gourley passed away on 07/30/2024 at the age of 67. He was born August 21, 1956 to the late Leon and Edna June Gourley. He married his wife, Jeffee Gourley, on New Year's Day 1976 and lived in Walland where they raised a daughter. He worked at Alcoa Aluminum Company as a Mechanical Craft Specialist before getting laid off and taking a job in management at Blackberry Farm. He went back to Alcoa for many years where he retired in 2019. Jimmy was an incredibly skilled craftsman who could build anything. He enjoyed the outdoors and, in his younger years, was an avid hunter and fisherman. As he got older, he mostly worked around his farm and enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a wonderful husband and father who always worked hard to make a better life for his family, as well as a great storyteller and a generous man who was loved by everyone he met. His love and support will be greatly missed.

Jimmy was proceeded in death by his parents Leon and Edna June Gourley. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Jeffee Gourley, daughter Jina (Donald) Holtzclaw, step-grandson Logan Holtzclaw, sister Anna (Gary) Long, and lifelong best friend Danny (Carol) Burns. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, August 16, 2024 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and inurnment at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at West Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. All who wish to come are welcome. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.