Royce Dennis Gourley, Sr.

Royce Dennis Gourley was born on July 4th, 1938 in Redondo Beach, California. Royce passed away in Brownsville, Texas on August 8th, 2021. Royce was a special person to all who knew him and will be remembered by all, and forgotten by none. Royce grew up in Austin, Texas on West 8th Street off Lake Austin Blvd and had a very idyllic life. He was known for his athleticism and his funny sense of humor. He was very popular in school and excelled in baseball. During the summer time Royce would work for Austin's famed architect A.D. Stenger, with whom he would have fond memories. After graduating from Austin High School (class of 1956) Royce attended Southwest Texas University in San Marcos. He graduated in 1965 with a B.S. in Education and a Masters in Education. He started his coaching career in football, basketball, and baseball in 1965 at Martin Junior High in Austin, TX. He also coached at Old Anderson High in East Austin and Old Austin High on Rio Grande Street. He had a very successful coaching career which led to many of his athlete's becoming professional sportsmen. Texas Friday night lights were his game and his passion. He taught History as well. He was beloved by his students and athletes and has been remembered for decades in these communities. Royce moved to Brownsville, Texas, where he joined the staff at Porter High School. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Georgina. Royce taught History and coached tennis and football at Porter and loved the students and faculty. Later, Royce was a Professor at UT Brownsville from which he retired. Royce is preceded in death by his older brother Odell Gourley and his beloved twin sister, Joyce Gourley Howell; his mother Adeline Gourley and father Samuel O. Gourley. Royce is survived by his loving wife, Georgina Gourley; his son Royce Dennis Gourley Jr.; daughter, Kay Elaine Gourley; his grandson, Seamus Michael Keogh; his brother-in-law Buddie Howell; sister-in-law Barbara Gourley; nieces and nephews; Wren Howell, Clay Howell, Barbara Lynn McConnell, Charlotte Luna , and David Gourley.

Visitation will be 5:00PM to 7:00PM Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX. Graveside Services will be 10:00AM Friday, August 13, 2021 at Austin Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.