Gerald (Jerry) Harding Gunn

Mr. Gerald (Jerry) Harding Gunn, age 69, of Winder, Georgia, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016, at his residence after a prolonged illness.

Mr. Gunn was born in Atlanta on October 13, 1946, to the late Ollie L. Gunn of Apalachicola, Florida, and the late Marietta Love Gunn of Valdosta, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by a brother, David Gunn and wife Bunny.

Mr. Gunn was a career newsman, starting out in Rome, Georgia at WRGA AM Radio.  His hard work earned him several state awards for his news coverage, including the prestigious Green Eyeshade Award in journalism. He went on to serve as Assistant Director of WMAZ Radio in Macon, Georgia before making the switch to television.  Jerry opened the Valdosta news bureau for WALB TV Albany before finally returning to his first love, radio news, at WDUN in Gainesville, Georgia, before his retirement.

Mr. Gunn enjoyed performing on stage, and was awarded two “Romans” while a member of the Rome Little Theater.  In his later years, Mr. Gunn resumed a beloved hobby of civil war reenactment, which he began at age 16.  He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and active member with the 28^th and 43^rd GA reenactment groups. He made an appearance with the comedian, Conan O'Brien, in a skit that was televised on his late-night show.

Survivors include devoted partner Lois Helmers of Winder, two daughters, Olivia Gunn of Rome, and Sarah Gunn Van Pelt (Adam) of Sugar Hill, a grandson, Jacob Whatley Van Pelt, eight months, a sister, Mary Jean Carden of New York, a brother, Ollie Gunn, of Arizona, a step-mother, Shirley Lightcap of Carrollton, and several other family members.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 21, 2016, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Bethlehem, Georgia, with the Rev. Frank Bernat officiating. A service will be held at a later date at Memorial Park North-Riverside Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Bethlehem First United Methodist Church

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.