Shawn Gourley, age 52, of Melber, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025. Shawn was born on October 9, 1972, in Cunningham, Kentucky, to Terrell Gourley and the late Rita Raburn Gourley. He was the youngest of four children, having two older brothers and one sister. He was married to the love of his life, Sarah Burnett Gourley, for 32 years.
Other survivors include one daughter, Shayla Hope Smith (Dylan), Hickory, Kentucky; two sons, Saylor Shawn Gourley and Sawyer Hudson Gourley both of Melber, Kentucky; father, Terrell Gourley, Melber, Kentucky; one sister, Devona Chandler (Loy Don), Melber, Kentucky; two brothers, Monte Gourley and Shane Gourley, both of Cunningham. Kentucky.
Shawn got to enjoy being “Pops” to his only grandchild, Juniper Smith, for the last year. He loved tinkering around his home and hunting with his children. Many of their family memories were made outdoors, as that was his happy place. Those who knew him will remember him for his infectious smile and his big-hearted stories! Helping people was his love language, and he demonstrated this often through his giving and thoughtful nature.
Shawn is survived by uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita June Raburn Gourley, in 2021.
“He was an all right guy,” as he would say, and will be forever loved and missed by many.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on September 4, 2025, at Trinity Holiness Church in Cunningham, Kentucky, with Brothers Aaron Burnett and Andrew Generaux officiating. Burial will follow at the Bethel Holiness Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, and after 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Trinity Holiness Church, 830 CR 1024, Cunningham, KY 42035, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
You may leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
