Nelson "Randy" Gorley, Jr., 81 of Newark passed away on February 13, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital in Newark. He was born on October 3, 1943 in Newark, OH to the late Nelson Randolph and Doris Bernadine (Church) Gorley, Sr.

Randy was a member of Gratiot United Methodist Church. He had worked at Roper and retired from the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier after 36 years. He later retired from Licking County Aging Partners after 19 years delivering meals on wheels. He was a member of Licking County Coon Hunters Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Randy enjoyed being around people. He always had a smile and made life fun.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rita (Hazlett) Gorley; sons, Douglas (Angela Norris) Gorley and Larry (Danielle) Gorley; grandchildren, Amy (Carl) Gruber, Ares (Kayla) Peck, Samantha Peck, Austin Gorley, Hannah Stollenwerk and Sakara Norris; nephew, Greg (Brandy) Gorley; niece, Amanda (Adam Layton) Archer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Nita Harris, Roy (Sue) Hazlett, Harold (Thelma) Hazlett, Helen (Ray) Renick, Barbara (Ronnie) Groves and Polly (Mike) Desien; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Alan Gorley; infant sister, Sandra Kay Gorley; daughter-in-law, Rhonda (Kidd) Gorley; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marion (George) Nelson, Donna Jean (Rex) Crooks, Marjorie Hazlett, Kenny (Carolyn) Hazlett, Hazel (Bill) Hinkle, Paul (Sharon and Judy) Hazlett and Burl Harris; and several half brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The family will receive friends from 4-8pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark. Funeral service will be held at 11am on Wednesday at the funeral home with Jeff Iden officiating. Burial will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Gratiot United Methodist Church, 345 South St., Gratiot, OH 43740 or Licking County Aging Partners, 1058 E. Main St., Newark, OH 43055.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.