James Gunn

James O’Neal Gunn Sr.

Keysville, GA  –         James O’Neal Gunn, Sr., 82, entered into his eternal rest Thursday morning, December 24, 2020 at Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.  Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday afternoon, December 28, 2020 at the Keysville United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Matt Wigley officiating.

Because of the family’s concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged.

James was the son of Louie Franklin Gunn, Sr. and Tressie Mae Cain Gunn and was born May 30, 1938 in Keysville. After Jimmy graduated from Wrens High School, he joined the Army National Guard where he was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis.  He was a sharpshooter, a submachine gun expert and obtained the rank of Sergeant E-5 before his Honorable Discharge.  He loved God, family and working.  He built a successful construction business that empowered him to give to those who were in need.  He was a past board member of Mount Moriah Campground, Burns Methodist Church, Maranatha Church and New Hope church of God. He was also a past member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and an active member of the Waynesboro Church of God.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph A. Gunn; and a son, James O. Gunn Jr.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sara “Frances” Eason Gunn; son, Alexander Franklin Gunn (Sandy), and their children Emily and Will Gunn; Jim’s children, Amanda and Bryson Gunn; sisters, Mary G. Hobbs Ward, Lois G. Hall, Doris G. Smith, Elaine G. Richardson (Andy), Judy G. Kent, Audrey G. Harker (Tom); brothers, Louie F. Gunn (Linda) and Delma W. Gunn (Dianne); and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins.  Pallbearers will be Barrow Walden, David Rawlins, Randall Eason, Craig Hobbs, Len Dailey and Scot McGahee.

The family express their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for their unconditional love and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that any memorial gifts be made to the Keysville UMC Cemetery Fund, c/o Dianne Stewart, 8219 Hwy 88 E, Keysville GA 30816 or to the Salvation Army, Attn: Development Dept, 1833 Broad St, Augusta GA 30904 or online at https://salvationarmyaugusta.org/donations.