Tim "TK O'Grady" Gourley
Tim "TK O'Grady" Gourley Obituary
Tim Gourley, 66, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2020 in Akron, Ohio.
Tim, AKA TK O'Grady, spent nearly 50 years as an on-air radio personality and quite the personality he was. A native of Mexico, Missouri, Tim found his passion as a junior in high school during a radio class. He became the main host of the weekly broadcast for his school, and he was a hit. Tim went to Central Missouri State to play football, but the radio bug never left him and after two years, he left school to start his prolific radio career. Starting in Lexington, Missouri and several other North Central Missouri towns ultimately landing in Springfield, Missouri at the classic rock station, Rock 99, Tim continued to hone his craft in major radio markets such as Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Charleston, SC and Chicago, IL.
He came to work at WONE 97.5FM in Akron, Ohio in 1998 and within a year was elevated to the job of Program Director, a position he held for 12 years. In his 22 years with WONE, he was heard on the midday and the afternoon drive shifts and was a beloved personality with both listeners and clients alike at numerous station events. He was always first to volunteer to be the Master of Ceremonies for numerous charities in and around Northeast Ohio, especially the ones that devoted their time to caring for animals. TK hosted the Galaxy Wednesday night patio parties for years and at Lock 3 on Friday nights TK's voice would be heard throughout the park with his deep voice as he hosted many Friday night concerts.
Off the air, Tim was a talented chef, who loved to prepare intricate meals for his friends and family. His talent for cooking came from his mother, who insisted both her sons learn well, so as to never have to depend on anyone else for a good meal. He also loved to golf - preferring a relaxed pace to the game, he would sometimes take 6 hours to play 18 holes. Tim’s pride and joy in life were his kids—dogs Tucker & Sadie and cats Leo & Lola. He would cook gourmet meals for them, and they were truly his family.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Isabelle Gourley; and sister-in-law Deborah Gourley. He is survived by his brother Jay (Jana) Gourley; nephews Terry (Laurie) of CA and Todd (Sherilyn) of CO; niece Jennifer (Brad) Gourley of MO; great-nieces & nephews Steven (Jaimie), Kristi, Becky & Payton Gourley and Josh (Jessica), Austin & Shelby Bickmeyer; and great-great nieces and nephew Rylinn, Rhett & Mercy.
TK will be missed by many friends, family, coworkers and WONE listeners, and a time will be set for everyone to come together and celebrate his life once it can be done safely.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the many charities TK worked with on a regular basis:
Stewarts Caring Place / Bikers for Boobs
Red & White for Thursday Night (Arthritis)
City of Akron Christmas Tree Lighting
City of Akron Holiday Parade
All American Soap Box Derby
March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
City of Akron Chili Challenge
Love Inc Dinner Auction
Akron Arts Expo
Embrace
Viva La Ponza
Humane Society of Summit County
Interval Brotherhood Home
As TK would have said ... SEE YA!
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
