Tony C. Gurley was born and raised in Western North Carolina. After graduating from high school, Tony attended UNC – Chapel Hill and received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1978. He continued his studies at UNC and in 1981 received his Masters Degree in Pharmacy Administration. From 1984 – 1999 Tony owned and operated Gurley’s Pharmacy in Durham and Blue Ridge Pharmacy in Raleigh.

In 1999 Tony decided to sell the pharmacies and embark on a new career. In 2000 Tony entered Law School at North Carolina Central University and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2003. After receiving his law degree, Tony, along with classmate Andrew Cookson, opened the Law Firm of Gurley & Cookson in Raleigh.

While studying at North Carolina Central University, Tony became interested in Wake County politics and launched a successful campaign for a seat on the Wake County Board of Commissioner in 2002. Tony has now waged three successful county-wide campaigns winning in 2002, 2006, and 2010.

Since his election to the Wake County Board of Commissioners, Tony has served as Vice-Chairman in 2005 as Chairman in 2006, 2007, and 2010.

Tony opened a second Gurley’s Pharmacy in Durham in the fall of 2005 and managed that store until May of 2010. He now owns Holly Park Pharmacy in Raleigh and Office Meds Management, Inc. in Raleigh. Tony also provides free pain medications for the underserved and low income community at free dental clinics across the state.

One little known fact about Tony is his ability to drive race cars. In the 1990’s Tony owned and raced stock cars at Orange County Speedway and at South Boston Speedway in Virginia. He holds two track championships in North Carolina and one in Virginia. The last year he raced he owned two cars. He drove one and current NASCAR driver Scott Riggs drove the second.

Tony and his wife Robin have two grown children, Robert and Michael. They are members of the North Raleigh Presbyterian Church.