Arthur Jack Kunzer, Jr

Arthur Jack Kunzer, Jr. went to be with his Lord & Savior on Friday, March 28, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, Kay, and four daughters.   Art was born Nov. 23, 1933 in Atlanta, GA to Arthur Jack Kunzer, Sr. and Marian Ray Kunzer.  He has one younger brother, Albert (Ray) & Cheryl Kunzer, and his first cousin Dr. Walker Ray and wife, Nancy.

Art was born and raised in Decatur, GA and attended Decatur Boys High graduating in 1950 at the age of 16.  He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1954 with a BS in Textiles.  Upon graduation, Art was commissioned as Ensign USNR and served in the Pacific Amphibious Fleet headquartered in San Diego, CA for six months. In 1954 Art flew to Japan to join the USS Chittenden County LST 561 where he served from 1954 - 1956.  Art had the rank of Lt JG and 1st LT on LST 561 at the age of 21.  He cruised to the Arctic in the summer of 1955 and then to the Western Pacific (Japan).  He returned to the USA in May of 1956.  In all, Art sailed across the Pacific, from California to Japan, three times. 

Following his service in the United States Navy, Art joined his father Art Kunzer, Sr. and his brother Ray in the Men's Apparel industry.  Art traveled Georgia and Florida as part of the territory his father oversaw for 45 years.

Art met Kay Scheesley in 1957 on a blind date.  They were married August 15, 1958 at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.  Art traveled selling Men's Apparel brands for 10 years while living in Atlanta and raising three daughters:  Kathy, Cindy and Sherri.  In 1968, Art joined Charlie Frierson as a business partner in the well established Men’s Clothing store Frierson - McEver Co. in Gainesville, GA.  The Kunzer family moved to Gainesville in the summer of 1968, and Jackie was born there in 1970.

Art and Charlie operated the original Frierson’s store on the square in downtown Gainesville, and in 1973 they opened a second location in Lakeshore Mall where they enjoyed 15 good years.  In 1994, Charlie retired and Art rebranded the business to Art Kunzer Men’s Clothier in the original downtown square location.  In 1999 Art retired from the clothing business.

Art served on many boards including the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and the Gainesville Redevelopment Board.  He was an active member of the Menswear Retailers of Georgia and served as President in the late 1970s and then on the Board of Directors.  Art was an active member of Main Street Gainesville for over 20 years.  He joined the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Gainesville in 1982 and served in that role until the Regions Bank merger in the late 1990s.  Art was active in the Gainesville Kiwanis Club 57 years and served as President and Lt. Governor.

Art and Kay have been members of First Baptist Church since 1968 and have sung in the Sanctuary Choir these 57 years.  During this time, Art served several terms on the Board of Deacons, and upon his retirement 1999, he and Kay served as Stephen Ministers and he served on several mission trips.

Since 1999, Art has enjoyed a wonderful retirement season with his wife Kay and daughters Kathy Patton (Chattanooga, TN), Cindy Schoen (Greenville, SC), Sherri Frankum (Gainesville, GA) and Jackie Hartley (Gray, GA).  He has loved his three son-in-laws Craigen Schoen, Greg Frankum and Bill Hartley enjoying many good times together.

Art never had a son of his own, but his first 4 grandchildren were all boys!  He has loved all 8 of his grandsons:  Buck Patton, Will Frankum, Briggs Schoen, Parks Schoen, Holt Patton, Heath Schoen, Quint and Jack Hartley.  And of course he loved his 4 granddaughters:  Claire Patton, Brinkley Frankum May, Haley Frankum and Emma Hartley.  Twelve grandchildren in all including one great granddaughter Frances Frankum with two more on the way.  Art & Kay have loved adding new grandchildren to the family through marriage:  Will & Katie Frankum, Andrew & Brinkley May, Briggs & Elizabeth Schoen, and Parks & Chandler Schoen.  The fifth Kunzer grandchild wedding will be held this August as Buck Patton marries Courtney Sims.

Art enjoyed many years of playing golf and tennis and loved all his comrades.  He loved watching his grandchildren play golf as well as all the other sports and activities they pursued.  He and Kay went to every event possible which explains the great relationships they enjoy with all of their grandchildren.

Art & Kay lived in Gainesville until his retirement in 1999 when they moved to their lakehouse in Forsyth Co. for 14 years.  Art always loved boating and sailing whenever possible.  In 2013 they moved back to Gainesville where they have thoroughly enjoyed their friends and family.

Art has always acknowledged that he is a blessed man.  He lived a thankful life, loving everyone WELL.  We rejoice that All is well with his soul, and he is at Home with the LORD.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the First Baptist Church Choir, Stephens Ministry, or Ministry of Caring and Sharing, 751 Green Street NW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501; or Good News at Noon Clinic, 810 Pine Street, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.

Celebration of life will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, April 5, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Gainesville (Sanctuary). The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200.

For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com