Jerry Gunnels passed from this life June 8, 2020. He was born February 27, 1927 to Stephen and Ada Mae Gunnels in San Augustine, Texas. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Bobbie. He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Shell and Carol Gunnels, grandsons Colby and wife Brittany Gunnels, and Casey and wife Megan Gunnels. He is also survived by five great grandchildren, Carter, Caleb, Eli, Cory, and Allie Gunnels. He was an active member of the Church of Christ, worshipping with the Hillside congregation in Greenville.
Jerry was born during the midst of the Great Depression and those experiences left an indelible mark on his life. He learned the value of hard work from an early age. He joined the Merchant Marines and served in the Pacific theater during WWII, bringing home a love of travel and a lifetime's worth of stories to embellish and retell for his grandsons. Jerry worked for E-Systems in Greenville for 35 years, ultimately earning every pilot and mechanic's license the FAA offered, while also operating a private charter plane business and roofing company in his spare time.
He had a mischievous smile and a joyful heart, never wanting to be the center of attention but always laughing and joking with those he knew best. He loved little children most of all and doted on his grandsons and great grandchildren. He put his entire self into whatever he purposed to do, and once he set his mind to a goal nothing could hold him back. He was generous to a fault, giving freely not only of his means but also of himself.
Jerry and Bobbie were both born into hard times and knew what it was like to do without. They were simple, content people who were happiest when working together in their garden or having family and friends around their table to eat a home cooked meal. They loved without reservation and pestered each other just enough to show that even after 68 years they still loved each other most of all.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Briarcliffe and Tender Care for their patient, compassionate care for Jerry during his final months.