John Taylor Gurkin Sr.

John Taylor Gurkin, Sr., 85 was born June 23, 1930. Mr. Gurkin died on April 9, 2016. His parents were John Wiggins Gurkin and Chloe Lavenia Griffin Gurkin of the Farm Life Community in Martin County, NC, both deceased.

John was married to Mary Anne Womble Gurkin of Nashville, NC, who predeceased him on May 4, 1996. He is survived by two sons, John Taylor Gurkin, Jr. of Williamston, married to Nita Mitchell Gurkin and Gary Womble Gurkin of Raleigh, married to Michele Morabito Gurkin; and a granddaughter Elizabeth Gurkin White, married to Josh White of Williamston. He is also survived by two sisters Sallie Gray Gurkin Conway and Chloe Ann Gurkin Tuttle, a nephew Barney Lee Conway married to Betsy Hardison Conway and a niece Cathy Lynn Conway Roberts married to Robin Roberts all of Williamston. A brother, John Wilson Gurkin passed away in 1926.

John was Valedictorian of his Williamston High School class of 1948 and later graduated from Hardbargers Business College in Raleigh. He served in the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. The night before his unit was shipped out to go to the front, John had appendicitis. When he awoke a pretty red-headed nurse, Anne, was standing over him and she became the love of his life. He married her-Mary Ann Womble on August 5, 1951. They made their home and raised their family on the family farm in Williamston. He continued to farm and in his retirement he still managed the family farm. He also built and managed the Breezewood Motel and Restaurant during the late 1950’s.

John enjoyed following the stock market and never shied away from a discussion of politics. He was an avid reader of all things herbal.

John and his wife Anne, who he fondly called “Red”, loved to dance. They danced until her death. After her death dancing was a salvation for John - it helped with his loss and he made new friends. He and Anne also created a beautiful garden on the grounds of their home on Big Mill Road. The trees and flowers they planted together still bloom throughout the seasons for everyone to enjoy all these years later.

John credits the joy of his later years to love of family, friends and a special friend Kathy Elaine Crocker.

This is his last dance – the longest, the best.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.