Terrance "T" Gurnik

Terrance "T" Gurnik, 23, of Akron, passed away on December 8, 2021. T was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on August 4, 1998. He moved to Ohio as a child and graduated from Ellet High School in 2016 as well as attended Akron U for a short time. T was highly intelligent and a natural athlete. He loved sports, particularly basketball. He loved all animals and frequently brought home strays as a child and through his adulthood so they could feel safe and loved. T was fascinated by a wide variety of subjects such as history, particularly the World Wars and Viking's culture; technology such as advancements in AI and space travel; as well as current politics. He would educate himself on his interests, then loved to engage in passionate debate. A self-professed nerd due to his love of Marvel comics, Star Wars, anime, sneakers, sports cards, collectables, and other memorabilia. Many would agree that he was a natural born leader who would have done great things and gone far too soon. One of his greatest wishes was to be a father and he would have been a fantastic one. He was widely popular, had many, many friends that shared his interests or just loved to hang out and watch movies, play video games or sports.

He overcame many difficult obstacles in his life and was proud of his journey through recovery. T had a way of lighting up a room with his captivating smile and warm, engaging personality. T had a great sense of humor, was a prankster and he had one of those laughs that brought joy to everyone within earshot. He was the best son one could ask for, a great and protective brother, wonderful grandson, loving nephew, and loyal friend. All who knew him are grateful. T will be missed and loved forever and always.

T was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Timothy Joyner and John Brown and his aunt Terra Joyner, for whom he was named. He is survived by his parents, Ryan and Tracee Gurnik; sister, Makayla Gurnik; grandmothers, Patricia Joyner and Sandra Brown; uncles and aunt, Steve Gurnik, Sean Joyner and Deana Evans; many cousins and tons of friends who were like family to him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. followed by a 1 p.m. funeral service at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness - Summit County at https://namisummit.org/donate_now/.