Mr. William Whitfield Gunnels Jr.

Mr. William Whitfield Gunnels, Jr. of Albany died Friday November 28, 2014 at The Willson Hospice House. His funeral service will be held Monday 4:00PM at Kimbrell-Stern with interment to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Rev. Roy Cook will be officiating. Mr. Gunnels was a native Albanian and a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Albany High School and achieved a Business Degree from Auburn University in 1953. At Auburn he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity and the wrestling team. During the Korean War he enlisted in the United States Army and spent much of his tour of duty in Japan. He and his brother, Bruce Gunnels, formed Gunnels Realty in 1973, but most of his career of over forty years was in the tax appraisal business in Albany and Dougherty County. He retired from the Dougherty County Tax Department in July of 2014. Mr. Gunnels was active in various civic activities. He was a member of Gillionville Baptist Church, a member of the Albany YMCA for over 65 years, and a Charter member of the Albany Sertoma Club. He was a past President of the Albany Little Theatre (now Theatre Albany), and helped in the acquisition of the Captain John. Davis Home on Pine Avenue as a permanent site for the Theatre. He helped bring the Theatre’s first musical to the stage. He was a past President of the Georgia Association of Assessing Officials, a past Commander of the Walter Burt American Legion Post 30, and he served on the Board of the Albany Humane Society. He was also a member of the RAF Committee honoring British Cadets who lost their lives in training in Albany during World War II. His many hobbies included acting in plays, photography, radio remote controlled air planes, sailing and baking cakes. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Edith Imogene Hanson Gunnels, his daughter, Denise Louise Gunnels (Robert James Lange, Jr.), a son, William Whitfield Gunnels, III, his sister Jean Gunnels Stimpson, his brother, John Bruce Gunnels (Katie Jordon), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Whitfield Gunnels, Sr. (Louise Hudson). The family will receive friends Monday from 3:00 to 4:00PM one hour before service at Kimbrell-Stern. Those desiring may send memorials to Gillionville Baptist Church, 4514 Gillionville Rd., Albany, GA 31721, or the Albany Humane Society, 1705 Oakridge Dr., Albany, GA 31707, or to the Walter Burt American Legion Post 30, 2916 Gillionville Rd., Albany, GA 31721.

Mr. William Whitfield Gunnels Jr.

December 17, 1930 - November 28, 2014