Damon Leander Gully Jr., also known as DJ, passed away suddenly on December 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 17. DJ was born to Dorothy “Dottie” Hughlock and Damon Gully on June 13, 2008, in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

DJ was a wild spirit and truly the star of the show wherever he went. He loved wrestling, music, spending time with friends and family, and dancing. He had a gift for making everyone around him happy and was almost always in a good mood, known for being a jokester who could light up any room.

DJ was a hardworking and ambitious young man. He worked at Freddy’s, had just started learning to cut hair, was planning to get his own place next month, and was working toward earning his GED.

DJ was a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and his passing has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy “Dottie” Hughlock, and his father, Damon Gully; his grandfather, Robert Presswood; his two brothers, DeAnthonie Gully and D’Andro Gully; his sisters, Kaliah Newman and Taleah Newman; and three sisters by heart who loved him dearly, Valencia Newman, Keevia Newman, and Malachia Newman. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, Liberty, Londyn, Lanaya, India, Nyleah, Navaeh, Jazelle, Jazuri, and Mai’jour; his nephews, Darius, June, Zyaire, A’mier, and Kairo; as well as his aunts, Natasha Gully, Datria Gully, and Sarah Campbell; and his uncles, Brad Gully, Robert Presswood, Anthony Presswood, Cornelius Gully, and Warnell Butts “Wally”.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Shirley Gully, Kenneth Hughlock, and Nancy Hanks; his aunts, Felicia Gully and Latoya Gully; and his uncle, Marcus Gully.

Rest in peace, DJ. You will be cherished by many and deeply missed. May we rejoice in knowing we will see you again one day.

“In my Father’s house there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me.” — John 14:2-3