Gregory Joseph Shurina

Gregory Joseph Shurina, known to his family and friends as Greg, passed away suddenly Wednesday August 5 in Knoxville, TN at the age of 28. Greg was born on September 30, 1991 at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN. He was the fourth child of Mary Christina and Gary Shurina. Greg was home schooled through the eighth grade then attended Knoxville Catholic High School, graduating in the Class of 2010. He was elected treasurer of his class and was the 2010 TSSAA Region II Wrestling Champion for the 285-pound weight class. He was active in school life including performing at coffee houses and pep activities. Greg attended the Pellissippi State Community College where he earned an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Business Management. Greg worked many jobs in his short life. He was a lifeguard at several pools in Farragut, performed “customer service” (bouncer) for Carleo Entertainment and was a pre-school child care specialist at the West Emory Child Enrichment Center. He was owner of the Loudon Coffee Lounge, “a Bohemian hangout” for the youth of Loudon. He worked for Butternut Property Management as an Assistant Manager and was recently hired as a package handler at the FedEx Warehouse Facility on Bertelkamp Lane where he died. In every job, Greg put all of his energy into his work. He wanted to be the best! From birth Greg always had an outgoing and creative personality.

He enjoyed being active in wrestling, boy scouts, and spending time with his brothers. As he got older, he developed a love for drawing and sketching which paved the way for his love of music. He would perform anytime for anyone who wanted to listen. Along with his gregarious personality, his music brought people together and let them know it was okay to be themselves. Greg was the most loving person you could ever meet. He was a gentle giant who always had a smile and made a friend everywhere he went. And he gave the best bear hugs you ever had. He is survived by his parents, Christina and Gary; siblings, Jessica (Jay) Duggan (Omar), Stefan Shurina (Kate), Daniel Shurina (Megan), John Shurina, and Patrick Shurina (Caelan); nieces Amelia Shurina, Madeline Shurina, and Rose Shurina; nephews Vincent Shurina and Deacon Shurina; his paternal grandmother Jennie Shurina; many aunts, uncles and cousins; his girlfriend Caitlin McLawhorn and friends too numerous to list. All Greg ever wanted was to love and to be loved. 

He was a gift from God. We pray that he rests in peace. Visitation will be from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, August 10, 2020 at the Click Funeral Home located at 11915 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 11 at 10:30 AM at the St. John Neumann Catholic Church located at 633 St. John Court, Knoxville, TN 37934.