Robert Gurney Atwell, 82, passed away October 11, 2018. He was born December 8, 1935, in Bascom, Florida, to Coley Malcom Atwell and Emma Faustine Atwell. Gurney is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Jean Atwell; one brother, Lamar Atwell; sons, Richard Atwell and Mickey Atwell (Karen); daughters, Katie Alexander (Bill) and Joy Allen (Fred); grandson, Josh Barnett; granddaughters, Mandy Tisdale (Brian), Stephanie Atwell (John), Lauren Truscello (Marcus), and Brittany Atwell (Zack); great grandchildren, Theron, Lily, Ava, Haleigh, and Harper; many cousins and masonic brothers; and one fur baby, Molly the cat. He was predeceased by his brothers, Billy Wayne and Gene Atwell, and his grandson, Jonathan Atwell. Gurney graduated from Malone High School in 1953 and proudly served in the US Navy until 1976. He later retired from the US Postal Service after more than 20 years. Gurney was a past Worshipful Master of the Middleburg Masonic Lodge 107 and held many positions of leadership in the following organizations: Lewis A. Armistead Lodge 403, James Yeager Chapter 62 RAM, Lawtey Council 39 R&SM, Middleburg Commandery 43 KT, Scottish Rite, Morocco Shrine, National Sojourners 435, Allied Masonic Degrees 423, Knight Mason, York Rite College 114, Red Cross of Constantine, Knight of the York Cross Of Honour, The Royal Order of Scotland, Tall Cedars of Lebanon 198, and Order of Quetzalcoatl 4. He was a proud and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. He lived his life by a higher standard that we all would aspire to reach. He lived a life of honor, integrity, and loyalty. He was a gentle, generous, and loving soul. He had the love and respect of all who were blessed to know him. Gurney loved to tell stories, both true and fictional, and had a knack for engaging you to the end then throwing the punch line. He had many sayings that his family all love and use, especially “We’re off like a herd of turtles.” He believed in staying in touch with old friends and family members, always calling and sending emails to stay in touch and keep everyone up to date on events in his life and the life of his family. He was very proud of his military career and his involvement in the Masons and affiliated organizations. He loved reading obituaries and subscribed online to newspapers from Jackson County, Florida, and surrounding areas so that he could keep up with the passing of those he knew. Family visitation will start at 5pm, receiving friends from 6-8pm Monday, October 15, 2018, at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068. Gurney will be honored at the Scottish Rite Temple, 965 Hubbard Street Jacksonville, Florida 32206, on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at 11am, followed by a guided escort to Holly Hill Funeral Home for military and masonic graveside services. Please leave words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Scottish Rite Temple Building Fund.
