Ernest Gurley, 63 of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023.
He was born July 13, 1959, to the late Hope Uribe Gurley and James T. Gurley, Sr in
Compton, CA. Fact, first time to see on the birth certificate, Ernest was born in auto,
En route to hospital. Ernest lived in New Orleans for many years and worked as Host/Waiter at
famous New Orleans Restaurant called “Houilan’s. “Later, he moved backed to the MS Gulf
Coast, and worked as Host for Treasure Bay Casino, Biloxi, MS. Ernest enjoyed life, he was
very outgoing person, made friends easily, loved to bargain shop, enjoyed eating out with
friends and family. Ernest was born into a large family of 11, he had 8 brothers and 2 sisters.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Steven Michael Gurley, Sr.,
Randy Gurley, Sr., Kenneth Allen Gurley, Sr., Richard Gurley, grandparents, aunts, uncles and
cousins. Preceded in death was Ernest’s friend and partner, Paul O’Brien from Ocean Springs,
MS.
Ernest is survived by sisters Bonnie Harwood, Judy Saucier, Pascagoula, MS, brothers,
John (Sol) Gurley, Atlanta, GA, James (Kathy) Gurley Jr., Hurley, MS, Jeffrey Gurley
(Dianne Martin), Pascagoula, MS and Michael (Shelia) Gurley, Pascagoula. He shared
His sister Judy Saucier’s grandchildren, calling them his grandchildren instead of his great
nieces and nephew, Olivia, Catelee, Mattie and Stephen Boulware. These grandchildren of his
gave him his first family birthday party to remember this past year planned by children. He
bragged and shared this memory to anyone that would listen and watch the video of singing,
dancing and breaking a Pinata. Ernest has many aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews,
great nieces, nephews, to many to name.
The family would like to thank Ocean Springs Health and Rehabilitation Facility Staff,
Home Care Hospice nurse Krista, Ocean Springs ER Dr. and ER Dept, Memorial Hospital
Dr N. Barot, Dr Jessie Penico, Dr. N. Congra., Memorial Outpatient Pharmacy,
Kristen, Memorial ER staff and Dr. T. Cooper.
An informal service will be held in memory on 2-7-23 @10 a.m. to 11 with releasing of balloon’s
at 10:10 a.m. Ocean Springs Beach. Memorial service led by Chaplain Brian Atwood with Home
Care, Hospice,
Hattiesburg, MS also Pastor of Harvest Church of Gulfport, MS.
In memory of Ernest please Donate to Flora Gene Foundation Inc @floragene.org or Smart
Phone QR scan. Foundation is Non-Profit No Kill Animal Rescues, Full Time Missionaries,
Womens Enrichment Recovery and Elderly Sick and Dying.
At a later date informal graveside interment to be held at Jackson County Memorial Park,
Pascagoula, MS with Memorial Bench and Urn to be buried.
Southern Mississippi Funeral Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Ernest Gurley.