February 14, 2025, 88, Goldsboro —

Edgar Gurley, Jr., 88, was welcomed to life eternal on Friday, February 14, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family at Sutton’s Retirement Center. Edgar was born in Wayne County to the late Edgar and Mabel Gurley on July 25, 1936. In addition to his parents, he was reunited with his dear wife of 62 years, Melba Pate Gurley; sisters, Letha Anderson and Katherine Ingram; and brother, Malcolm Gurley.

Edgar believed family always came first. He wanted to make sure all of his family was loved and cared for, and this was especially true for Melba. She was his treasure and partner in their blessed life. To many, Edgar was known as the Singer Man, as he sold Singer Sewing Machines for over 68 years. He owned and operated Singer Sewing Shops all across Eastern North Carolina. But this hardly begins to describe how he lived and worked. Edgar always had everything in order and was known to do a great job servicing a Singer sewing machine. Everything was organized and neat. This was who Edgar was. It defined him. He not only worked hard, he planted seeds of guidance, wisdom, and love into others. Edgar was a man of his word, and that spoke volumes in his life. He was well respected and a mentor to more than he even realized. He was simply being Edgar, and that was enough.

With an incomparable sense of patriotism, Edgar proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Throughout his life, Edgar served as a coach for many softball teams. His coaching duties ranged from girls and boys softball teams for both his work and church. The love of ball didn’t stop with Edgar; he passed his love down to his children and grandchildren. From dance recitals and pageants to ball games, Edgar was a constant support to his family’s activities.

A lifelong member of Woods Grove Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, Edgar served his Lord faithfully through a life of dedication. Serving as a Deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and Sunday school teacher at the church were some of many outward and visible signs of his deep faith. No matter the location or the circumstance, Edgar was always ready to share the gospel with anyone willing to listen. For many years, he sang in the church choir and with the Lighthouse Quartet.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Edgar’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Barry Teague officiating. Interment will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Wayne Memorial Park.

Edgar is survived by his son, Chris Gurley and wife, Michelle of Goldsboro; daughter, Melanie Shackelford and husband, Brad of Goldsboro; and the apples of his eyes, his granddaughters, Courtney, Morgan, Caroline, and Madison. He is also survived by his brother, J.P. Gurley; and sisters-in-law, Linda Morgan and husband, Ronald and Brenda Wooten and husband, Jimmy.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to the wonderful staff members of Sutton’s Retirement Center. While Edgar was only there a short time, he was undoubtedly at peace with those who gave him such compassionate care until the end. Love and heartfelt thanks is also expressed to his caregivers with Gentiva Hospice. May God bless each of you in a very special way.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask memorials be given to the activity fund at Sutton’s Retirement Center, 4258 U.S. Hwy. 13 North, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.