The morning of Wednesday, February 28, 2024, saw the sweet and gentle spirit of Bob Gulley quietly slip away from this world.  He was 92.  Bob was born at home on December 18, 1931, in Thompsonville, Illinois, the 3rd of 7 children born to Lawrence and Josephine Gulley.  When times were tough, his father took Bobby and his older brother Charles out of school and pointed them to the Quad Cities to find work.  Bob's work life began at J. I. Case and took him through many of the local factories.  It was at Rock Island Millworks that he discovered a love and talent for carpentry.  Bob had a head for numbers and measures and angles. He could visualize a completed project with great ease, and he had the skills to execute his vision. His work life culminated in 15 years as a finish carpenter and high-end woodworker at the Rock Island Arsenal. His replica of Col. George Davenport's home is on display at the Arsenal Museum.

After a brief courtship, Bob married Donna (née Harris) in April of 1953 in Piggott, Arkansas.  Donna's perpetual motion engaged her in many activities (e.g., Cornbelt Running Club, Habitat for Humanity), and Bob supported her in everything she did.  He attended her races, built display cases for her many running trophies, and lent his carpentering skills to Habitat builds, to name a few.  Donna was always the healthy one, always the caregiver, but when she was tragically stricken with a debilitating illness, Bob doted on her tenderly through her final days.

Though rugged as any young fellow, Bobby was first and always a momma's boy.  He was just 41 when he lost "mommy" to cancer—his heartbreak never fully subsided.  Throughout his life he would tear up when speaking of her.  Bobby shared his mother's warm and loving nature, and he grew into a kind and loving man.  He was generous with his family, but his giving ways extended to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers.  If he knew someone was in need, he was unable to resist helping.  He was also quite gregarious, enjoyed meeting new people, and could happily engage in conversation with virtually anyone.  These traits, along with his ready smile, his quick and deliciously dry wit, and his mellow manner earned Bob the moniker "Good Gulley".

Even as he fought the slings and arrows of aging—including the loss of his beloved "Donna Mae"—he remained an essentially happy man.  His love of people provided him with ample opportunities for humorous banter wherever he went. In the years following Donna's death, Bob had the great good fortune of his nephew, George Fortner, whose care made Bob healthier, more independent, more engaged, and enhanced his life in every way.  No prayer could supply a better Guardian Angel, and no family could be more grateful for a nephew's lovingkindness. The family is also deeply thankful for the extraordinary care provided Bob by the staff of Fort Amstrong who showed him such genuine love.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, his sister and four brothers, and by his only son, Steven Robert.  He is survived by his brother Bill, daughter Cindy (Rick), daughter-in-law Carrie, three grandchildren, Adel (Christina), Stephanie (Greg) and Andrea (Josh), and three great-grandsons, Hunter, Sawyer, and Gavin.

Generous to the end, Bob donated his body to the University of Iowa Medical Center.  According to his wishes, his ashes will be interred with Donna at Farlow Grove Cemetery, Matherville, and there will be no funeral. The family will announce a celebration of his life in the near future. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan is assisting with arrangements.

Those wishing to remember Bob with a donation can give to Fort Armstrong Assisted Living, 1900 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, 61201.

Bob Gulley was as likeable a man as one is apt to meet.  People were drawn to him, quickly feeling accepted and validated by his easy manner and open heart.  His life proved the truth of Maya Angelou's wisdom, that "…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  Bob made people feel good—and for this he will be remembered.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Bob's family on his tribute wall at www.wheelanpressly.com.