John Bruce Gunnels

John Bruce Gunnels, 91, of Albany, GA passed away peacefully in Chattanooga, TN in the presence of family on April 16, 2024. Bruce was beloved and respected by his family, friends, and business colleagues and often was described as a man of great integrity. He was born in Albany to William Whitfield Gunnels, Sr. and Louise Hudson Gunnels. In his youth, he developed an impressive work ethic while working for his father at Gunnels Coal Company. After graduating from Albany High School in 1950, Bruce attended Auburn University where he obtained a B.S. degree in the School of Business and became a lifelong War Eagle fan. During his college days, he married the love of his life, Katie Sue Jordan. The couple lived for a short time in Biloxi, MS while he attended Radio School. Soon after, the couple moved to Germany where he served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Air Force. Once back in Albany, Bruce earned a Real Estate brokers license and launched Gunnels Realty Company and enjoyed building residential homes throughout the northwest area of Albany. He served as President of the Albany Real Estate Board and served as President of Home Builders Association of Albany as well as the Planning Commission. Impressively, he served on the Board of the Dougherty County Tax Assessors for 21 years. His extensive knowledge of real estate and real estate law lead him to teach classes at Darton College (now Albany State University) and Albany Technical College. Faith was especially important to Bruce. He was a founding member of Central Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He later joined and served as a Deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He also served his community as a Founding Father of the Halycon Club and a volunteer of Meals on Wheels. In 1971, he won the Doublegate Country Club Golf Championship which was a surprise to no one. He loved the game of golf throughout his life and held a O to 2 handicap. He was a member of the Hole In One Club, making a hole in one on #16 on August 5, 1979, and on #6 on October 26, 1979. Bruce held many titles in his life, but his most cherished role was that of DAD. A loving and supportive father of three, grandfather to eight, and great grandfather to fourteen. In addition to his children and grands, Bruce was also a compassionate lover of dogs. Any dog lucky enough to be his enjoyed a lot of affection and probably way too many table scraps. Bruce is preceded in death by his daughter Kathy Gunnels Kale, his granddaughter Katie Kale, sister Jean Stimpson, brother Whit Gunnels, Jr., son-in-law Will Aultman, sister-in-law Clara Jordan Bennett, and nephew Whitfield Gunnels, III. He is survived by his wife, Katie Gunnels of Chattanooga, TN, son Bruce Gunnels (Tina) of Opelika, AL; Drew Aultman of Chattanooga, TN; Grandchildren: Jack Kale (Sandra) of Gulf Breeze, FL; Jenna Burleson (Greg) Dallas, TX; John Gunnels (Autumn) Nashville, TN; Ashly Davis (Jordan) Valley, AL; Hilsman Knight (Alivia) Scottsdale, AZ; Jordan Knight (Kristen) Austin, TX; Andrew Aultman, Providence, RI. Great Grandchildren: Gabe Kale, Emma Kale, Julia Kale, Lucas Burleson, Parker Burleson, Lydia Gunnels, Whitt Gunnels, Dallas Davis, Presley Davis, Hudson Davis, Anson Knight, Holden Knight, Benjamin Knight, Joanna Knight. Nieces: Laura Smith, Julia Christian, and Denise Gunnels. Nephews: Jay Bennett, Jon Bennett, and Joe Bennett. Services will be held on Saturday, April 20th at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Family Visitation at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, The Albany Humane Society, Covenant Presbyterian Church or charity of choice.