Larry Eugene Gourley

Weslaco-

Larry Eugene Gourley, age 78, of Weslaco, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of family and friends in his final moments.

Larry was born on December 11, 1946, in Salinas, California, to the late James Edward “Ed” Gourley and Margaret Lucille “Lucille” Gourley. He graduated from Salinas High School and began his early career with Safeway, where fate brought him together with Brenda in 1978. At the time, Larry was an assistant manager and a devoted single father to his two children, Aaron and Kim. Brenda worked in the office, and their connection quickly grew into a lasting partnership. They were married in 1980 and welcomed their daughter, Shannon, in 1986.

Larry spent much of his professional life as a commercial glazier, installing commercial glass storefronts. In 1987, he and Brenda moved to Sacramento, where he continued his trade. In 2010, after a serious fall while trimming a tree, Larry retired from glazing. Soon after, Brenda also took early retirement from her position with the school district, and the couple made the bold and joyful move to Maui in 2011.

While in Hawaii, Larry lent a hand to Brenda’s sister and brother-in-law, who owned the largest recreational court building and resurfacing company in the islands. Always active and eager to stay busy, Larry started his own small court maintenance business, taking on windscreen installations and court washing.

By 2019, Larry decided it was time to "really retire." After visiting Brenda’s father in Weslaco, Texas, they fell in love with the area and moved there permanently in January 2020. They quickly found a wonderful community, building friendships through weekly card games, neighborhood gatherings, and football nights.

Larry’s son, Aaron, also moved to the area in recent years, and the two enjoyed quality father-son time—playing pool, racing RC cars, and watching sports together.

A passionate motorcyclist for over 50 years, Larry had a deep love for the open road. He attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally numerous times and rode through iconic places such as Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, the Mount Rushmore region, and the Badlands. While living on Maui, he especially enjoyed riding alongside the ocean, soaking in the island’s natural beauty.

Travel was another of Larry’s great loves. Together with Brenda, he enjoyed countless cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as a favorite voyage through the Panama Canal. They even spent nearly a month exploring South America in their younger years. At the time of his passing, Larry had two more cruises planned—his adventurous spirit ever present.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Lucille Gourley, his sister Anita Jane Hibbs, and his brother Edward Dean Gourley.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Brenda Gourley; his son, James Aaron Gourley; his daughters, Kimberly Dawn Gourley and Shannon Leann Gourley; and his brother, Michael Gourley (Barbara). Larry also leaves behind eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas.