Malcolm Goss “Papa Mac" Gunnells

On June 30, 2018 Malcolm Goss Gunnells “Papa Mac” passed away peacefully as a result of natural causes. Papa Mac was being visited and comforted by family members and friends at his home in Gainesville, Georgia.  At the time of his passing, he was 91 years young. (39 for the 52nd time).

 The funeral service will be held at Christ Place Church (formerly Blackshear Place Baptist Church) at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 2, 2018, with visitation to precede at the church beginning at 12 p.m. Brother Rick Herman and Brother Chris Miller will officiate. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

 Papa Mac was born on June 28, 1927 in Comer Georgia. He was the 4th son of 6 sons and one sister. He is preceded in death by his parents Ireme and George Euel Gunnells, his late wife Donnie Gunnells, sister, Mildred Webb and brothers, JD Gunnells, Troy Gunnells, Jimmy Gunnells and Grady Gunnells.

 Papa Mac was a graduate of Comer High School and a veteran of the Korean War. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Signal Corp and ran communication lines in Germany.

 While in the military Papa Mac met and later married his late wife Donnie Sue Harris.  They were blessed with 30 years of marriage and one child, a daughter, Jonie Carol Gunnells Gilmer.

 Papa Mac worked at Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph which later became AT&T for 37-1/2 years. While working he had a farm, pastored multiple churches (Berea Baptist, Shiloh Baptist and Poplar Springs Baptist Church(s) and raised grandbabies. After a full career, he retired in 1985.

 Papa Mac met, wooed and married Gwendolyn Grace Miller in 1984. They have enjoyed 34 years of a blessed marriage. With their union Papa’s family grew from one daughter to 2 daughters and 1 son. Their family has prospered over the years and been the source of much joy and comfort. They have enjoyed camping, meeting friends, serving at their church, helping countless people in need and dining out!

Papa Mac often told his family his greatest accomplishment was THEM. He was extremely proud to be a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the proud patriarch of 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren with yet another great-grandbaby on the way in July! He enjoyed family gatherings and giving the blessing for the meal and as such, was often known to be long-winded (once a pastor, always a pastor). Papa always enjoyed a good book, a laugh, loved children and a notorious flirt. He was at his best when he was busy and never one to be idle.

Papa Mac had many friends and was a faithful member of Christ Place Church (formerly known as Blackshear Place Baptist Church).  Although he had served as a deacon and pastor, he truly enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes of College and Career and Singles.  He loved God’s Word and sharing it with others. He accepted Jesus as a young man and in his life blessed many others in service to the Lord.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to See Vision Building Fund at Christ Place Church or to Eagle Ranch. 

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

 Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com