On October 5, 2020, the Rev. George Wilson Gunn, Sr. of Black Mountain, NC, was welcomed into the roomy mansion of Christ after 94 years here reflecting the very grace of God.
Born June 15, 1926, to Eliza Drayton (Woodside) Gunn and the Rev. Dr. Charles Groshon Gunn in Bluefield, West Virginia, baptized and nurtured in the covenant community of Westminster Presbyterian Church where his father was pastor, shaped by Miss Blanche’s kindergarten, Bluefield Public Schools, McCallie School, Davidson College, and Louisville Seminary.
George went on to provide a lifetime of service in the Presbyterian Church. His passion for campus ministry was evident at the University of Georgia, the University of Arkansas, and at Lees-McRae College. He was a founder of the National Campus Ministry Association and also headed the Office of Higher Education of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.
Rev. Gunn pastored congregations across Arkansas, Texas, and North Carolina – the last being with the beloved saints at Fletcher Presbyterian Church, Newland, NC. He was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award by Louisville Seminary in 1998. He was a prolific writer, a poet, photographer, oil painter, numismatist, and philatelist.
Married to Sara Louise (Smith) Gunn for 67 years before her death in 2017, he is survived by his children Wilson (Pam), Herb (Joan Dennehy), Genie (Jude), and Knox. He is also survived by his brother-in-law James Sidney Langrall, nieces, nephews, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Charlie (Ginny), Jim (Shirley), and sister Libby Langrall. He will forever be remembered for his quick and relentless wit, his vast intellect, his passion for social justice and racial reconciliation, and his unconditionally loving engagement with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please give to “Fletcher Presbyterian Church” – memo “Malawi Mission.” Send to the Fletcher Presbyterian Church, PO Box 493, Newland, NC 28657