William H. Gunter, Jr. “Bill” left this earthly world to join his heavenly Father on October 11, 2022.
Bill was born December 6, 1948, to the late William H. Gunter, Sr. and Carolyn Rivers Gunter. He graduated from Chipley High School in 1966, obtained his Bachelor of Business from the University of West Florida, and ultimately, earned a Master of Psychology from Troy State University.
At 18 months old, Bill miraculously survived polio. The lasting physical impact on him served as a reminder to give a hand up to those in need and always help the underdog. Bill dedicated his life to serving God, and his life was a testimony to all those who knew him.
During his adult life, he worked with the Florida Department of Transportation and moved on to work for Florida Panhandle Technical College (FKA Washington Holmes Technical Center). He served the school proudly as the Business Manager and the Director of Student Services. During his tenure, he was awarded “Teacher of the Year” for the School, County, District, and Region. While in this role, he touched many lives by assisting students with life-changing career choices.
After 35 years of working in education, Bill retired to his dream home on Lucas Lake, where he spent each day with his wife, Gail, and Penny, “the singing dog.”
He dedicated countless hours to the community serving in leadership roles in Kiwanis, jail ministry, and Boy Scouts. You could also find him delivering meals to home-bound residents, coaching little league, and chaperoning many youth trips at the church.
His four grandsons were the light of his life. He attended all sporting events and celebrations regardless of the distance. He loved nothing more than hunting, fishing, building, and playing with his boys.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William H. Gunter, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Rivers Gunter; wife, Gail Kittrell Gunter; two daughters, Canita Gunter Peterson, husband Casey, of Panama City, FL and Mini Watson, husband James, of Tallahassee, FL. He was blessed to be PaPa to four grandsons, Will Watson, wife Emily, Trent Watson, Chase Peterson, and Colt Peterson. He is also survived by his sister Andi Patterson, husband Joe, and brother, Charles Gunter, wife Donna. He was also loved and supported by his special friends Jerry and Roxanne McDonald.
Funeral services will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church on Friday, October 14, at 2:00 pm (Central Time) with visitation an hour prior. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.
If you would like to contribute in his honor, he was a tremendous supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital and his home church Fellowship of Christ Church.
