Virgil Gurney, our beloved father, mentor, and the other half of our rock died on November 10, 2025. The greatest man was born on August 24, 1934, to Paul and Harriette Gurney in Tampa, Florida. Virgil dedicated his life to making the world a better place. The love for his family was everything to him. He influenced people both in his personal life as well as his professional life. Even when that guidance was delivered with a strong voice, it consistently reflected sincere care for the individual's welfare. The Sugar Daddy in him always came out in the end.
Virgil was preceded in death by beloved wife Libby, his parents, and his sister, Betty Gurney.
Virgil is survived by his friend, Susan Parker, his children, Cherie Shepherd, Bill and Leslie Gurney, John Gurney and Karen and Tracy McDaniel. Pepaw leaves seven grandchildren that he adored, Jaron and Jamie Gurney, Shane and Erin Shepherd, Emilee and Doug Pike, Georgia Rae and Tyler Martin, Adam McDaniel and Miranda Armfield, Winslow and Kenny Winslow, and Maitland and Evan Rhodes. One of his greatest joys in later life were his ten great grandchildren, Maddox Penland, Grayson Shepherd, Madalyn Gurney, Sawyer Pike, Copeland Martin, Savannah Shepherd, Lily McDaniel, Riggins Pike, Hayes Martin, and Kathryn Gurney. They brought sunshine and chaos to his life. He deserved both. Virgil is also survived by close, close friends that he enjoyed and adored.
Virgil finished his professional career with Savannah Sugar Refinery as vice president of branded sales. He was a consummate salesperson and never met a person he could not charm. He was well known, admired, and loved in the grocery business. He left an impression on all he met.
Virgil, VC, V, Dad, and Pepaw contributed more to our lives than we can ever express. His love, guidance and support were ongoing throughout our ups and our downs. There are no words to describe the hole we all have in our hearts today. His legacy will live on in each of us. We will forever miss you.
The service is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Sechrest-Davis, 976 Phillips Avenue in High Point. After the service, please join us at his home for a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his honor to the Hospice of the Piedmont, who guided us through a challenging time, or the Methodist Home for Children.
