Jerry Gunn, a long-time reporter for WDUN, passed away Friday morning after a long battle with cancer.
Gerald H. Gunn began his career with WDUN in the late 1990s, moving from south Georgia to north Georgia. He wrote thousands of stories during his time at Jacobs Media, both features and hard news, ranging from city council meetings to trials to a personal series about his battle with cancer.
During one Hall County Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and after he had been diagnosed with the disease, Gunn not only covered the event as a reporter but participated in it as a cancer survivor.
"As a newsman, everyone in the profession looked up to him and tried to emulate his ethics. As a reporter, he was fair and accurate in his coverage. And, as a person, he was a someone you always wanted to be with," said Jay Jacobs, owner and CEO of Jacobs Media.
"Jerry was probably one of the best 'street' reporters we ever had," said retired News Director Ken Stanford. "He was dedicated to his profession and well-respected by those in the community he covered on a regular basis over the years. Some would always inquire about him if they failed to see him around town for an extended period of time, especially after he had been diagnosed with cancer."
Prior to his work in the Gainesville area, Gunn worked for radio and television stations elsewhere in the state, including Rome, Macon, Albany and Valdosta.
Gunn was also an avid history lover, especially the Civil War. He wrote two books, A Rose for William Carter and The Ghosts of Kennesaw Mountain, the latter which was co-authored by his long-time partner, Lois Helmers. Gunn also participated in Civil War re-enactments and was once featured on the Conan O'Brien show with one of his re-enactment groups.
Funeral services are set for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, 709 Christmas Avenue, Bethlehem, Ga. In lieu of flowers, donations may be may in Jerry's memory to the church.
Memorial Park Funeral Home in Gainesville is handling arrangements.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/2/371444/reporter-jerry-gunn-dies