Robert Allen Shurling

Robert “Bob” Allen Shurling, 67, of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, after a brave and enduring battle over the past few months. Born on May 6th, 1958, in Sandersville, Georgia, he was the beloved son of Jack and Mary Shurling.

Bob dedicated his life to service — to his country, his family, and his community. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1981 to 1988 as a Data Systems Technician. Bob also served in the U.S. Army for 14 years, before retiring from active duty in 2006.

During his distinguished military career, Bob participated in Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada (1982), patrolled off the coasts of Lebanon and Libya, and served in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War (1987–1988). He later served as a medic during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and was stationed in Korea, Fort Jackson (SC), Fort Bliss (TX), Fort Gordon (GA), and at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.

Bob also continued his commitment to service through the U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard, and South Carolina State Guard, completing a remarkable 33 years of total military service. His honors include three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, two Navy Unit Commendations, Army and Navy Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Following his military retirement, Bob began a second career dedicated to caring for others in the medical field. He earned his LPN in 1992 and went on to serve patients for more than 30 years as both an EMT and a nurse. Throughout his medical career, he worked at Washington County Regional Medical Center, ECF of Sandersville, ATC Health care, Medtrust Medical Transport and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Bob and Gail loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed traveling together. Bob’s daily rituals included cherished quiet moments on his porch, looking out at the ocean — a place where he found peace and reflection. He also looked forward to cheering on his Georgia Bulldogs each week.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Gail Shurling; his children, Jason Carter (Amy) of Santee, SC, and Whitney Giavelli (Freddy) of Pinopolis, SC; grandchildren Taylor Pinero (David), Brandon Carter, Sullivan Giavelli, and Louis Giavelli; great-grandchild Javier Pinero; god-child Andrew Koester; his mother Mary Shurling of Tennille, GA; siblings Jimmy Shurling (Cheryl) of Ludowici, GA, Barry Shurling (Renee) of Tennille, GA, and Dawn S. Mills (Heath) of Gray, GA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Shurling, and his nephew, Blake Shurling.

A funeral service with military honors will be held on Thursday, October 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Piney Mount Church on Old Savannah Road, Tennille.  Reverends Mike Bankston and Brant Kennedy will officiate.  The Shurling family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service at the church.

Bob will be remembered for his steadfast faith, selfless service, and unwavering loyalty and dedication. His steady strength and the love he shared so freely with his family and friends will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors of Sandersville is in charge of these arrangements.