Dateline: Williamston, NC

Kenneth “Ken” Ross Gurganus, 66, of Martin County, North Carolina, passed away on September 18, 2026. Born January 19, 1960, Ken lived a life centered around family, friends, faith, and fishing. The sky was appropriately Carolina blue on the day he was welcomed into heaven.

Ken is survived by his wife and partner of 42 years, René; his daughter, Mika Gurganus; his son, Will Gurganus and wife, Caroline; and the apple of his eye, his granddaughter, Harper. He is also survived by his brother Timothy Gurganus and preceded in death by his parents, Dallas “Dick” and Della Gurganus. Additionally, Ken leaves behind many other family members and beloved friends who were fortunate enough to share in his life.

Some of Ken’s happiest days were spent on the water. He loved hunting and fishing, and he would take any excuse to be outside on a boat in the sun. It was fitting, then, that he spent his 44-and-a-half-year career at Grady-White Boats, doing work he genuinely loved and building friendships along the way. He was incredibly proud to be a member of the Grady-White family.

For nearly two decades, Ken could also be found telling stories and shucking oysters at Sunnyside Oyster Bar. He treasured the friendships he made there, and the countless conversations and laughs shared among family, colleagues, and friends.

Ken will be remembered as an avid sportsman, with baseball holding a particularly special place in his heart. He played baseball at Robersonville High School (Class of ‘78) and Louisburg College and later had the great joy of passing his love of the game on to Will and Mika—coaching and cheering both of them on to ultimately play at the college level themselves. And when baseball season gave way to basketball or football, there was never much question where Ken’s loyalties rested—he was a Carolina Tar Heel through and through.

Ken’s faith in God was a quiet but meaningful part of his life, and his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace with the Lord.

Of all the things Ken loved, nothing brought him greater joy in the last two years than being a grandfather. His favorite moments were the ones spent with Harper—watching her grow and learn, hearing her laugh, and simply enjoying the privilege of being her granddaddy. She brought a special kind of happiness to his life, and it was plain to anyone who saw them together just how much she had him completely wrapped around her little finger.

Ken will be deeply missed by René, Will, Mika, Caroline, Harper, his extended family, and the many friends whose lives were made better by knowing him. And no remembrance of Ken would be complete without Grady and Gilligan, his faithful dachshunds and constant companions, who—along with Harper—could always count on having a very special place in his heart.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the Williamston Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Roger Leggett officiating. The visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM at the church. The family asked that you wear your “Carolina Blue” in remembrance of Ken.

Online condolences may be made at www.walkerfh.net.

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is honored to serve the Gurganus family.

Walker Funeral home extends its deepest sympathies to Kenneth's family and loved ones during this time of loss.