William Robert “Bubba” Gunn, 78, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. A devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather, William lived a life marked by love, strength, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and faith.
Born on March 2, 1947, in Robinson, Georgia, William was the son of the late Henry Lee Gunn and Annie Lora Young. He graduated from Union Point High School and earned an Associate degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Military College.
In 1971, William began a long and respected career with the Georgia Department of Corrections at the Putnam Correctional Institution in Eatonton, Georgia. Over the years, he served in various roles, including correctional officer, food service director, business and personnel manager, and ultimately as administrative services manager at the Food Distribution Unit in Milledgeville. In 1985, he was recognized as the Administrative Support Employee of the Year. After 31 years of faithful service, William retired in August 2002. Even after retirement, he remained active, often spending his time remodeling homes. He was a member of the Eatonton Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder.
William is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Joyce Poole Gunn; daughters Tracy Brewer (Charles “Skeet” Brewer) of Brunswick, Georgia, Laura Burns (Robert “Bob” Burns) of Wildwood, Florida, and Christina Burnett (Josh Burnett Sr.) of Dacula, Georgia; grandchildren Ryan Brewer, Madison Brewer, Joshua Burnett, Sage Burnett, and Sierra Burnett; and sisters Lillie Davis of Washington, Georgia, and Joyce Walker of Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his sisters Jean Dolvin and Lola Davis.
William’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His kindness, wisdom, faith, and quiet strength will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Visitation will take place on May 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Vining Funeral Home in Eatonton Georgia followed by the memorial service at 1:00pm at the Eatonton Presbyterian Church in Eatonton, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eatonton Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 4121, Eatonton, Georgia 31024 or Robinson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 25, Crawfordville, Georgia 30631.
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