Warren Neil Gourley

Lt. Col. (Ret) Warren Neil Gourley of Fort Walton Beach, FL passed away peacefully Friday, February 7, 2020. He was born May 14, 1930 in Anderson, IN to Otis and Elsie Gourley. He graduated from Anderson University in 1952 and entered the United States Air Force a year later, where he served for 22 years, retiring in 1973 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He went on to graduate from USC with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

In 1972, the family relocated to Fort Walton Beach, FL and after retiring from the Air Force, Warren opened his own defense consulting firm, WNG Associates, which he owned for 40 years. In 1973 he and his wife, Joanna acquired Venus Condominiums and later built SeaCrest Condominiums. He owned and operated WNG Management Services until his passing.  

Warren was an accomplished business owner, rocket scientist and an outstanding athlete, who continued to play and beat his son in full court basketball, with his legendary hook shot well into his 70’s. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Otis J. Gourley and Elsie J. Gourley, brothers and sister Byron Earl, Richard Lee (Velma) and Jean (Joseph). He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joanna, his son Craig (Carla), grandchildren Tiffany (Mike), Stacy (Matt), Linsey (John), Ryan and great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Aubrey, Chase, Ava, Landon and Caleb.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 12 at 10am at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Rd NW, with reception to follow. The burial will be Thursday, February 13 at 11am at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Warren Gourley Basketball Scholarship Fund.  Online select “other” Designation and specific “In Memory of Warren Gourley” or by mail at Anderson University, Anderson, IN 46012.

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