Ernest Martin Gunter

SOUTH BOSTON Ernest Martin Gunter, Jr passed peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2020 at the age of 92. Ernest was born on August 30, 1928, the first of three sons to Eula Mills Gunter and Ernest M. Gunter, Sr. His maternal grandmother, Mrs. Suzy Mills brought up Ernest and his brothers when his mother died during childbirth. Ernest deeply loved his family. Mary Barksdale Gunter, his wife of nearly 67 years and to whom he was devoted, preceded him on September 16, 2020. His influence on the lives of his family will long be remembered by sons Ralph Gunter and wife Teresa of Lynchburg, Virginia and Keith Gunter and wife Cheryl of Culpeper, Virginia who cherish his love and guidance. And by his adoring grandchildren Neil Gunter and wife Amanda and their children McKinley Gunter and Ridge Gunter of Aylet, Virginia; Meredith Gunter and partner Kevin Tiller of Richmond, Virginia and Amber Gunter of Culpeper, Virginia, whom he enjoyed indulging occasionally and encouraging in their education. Ernest’s early career in the LP Gas industry began with the Lynchburg Bottled Gas Company and was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, OK. Subsequent positions with the Bottled Gas Co and its successor, Pargas, took his growing family to Danville, Virginia Waldorf, Maryland and finally to South Boston. Along the way he studied accounting at Phillips Business College. In his more than 40 years in the industry, he was highly respected for his expertise and work ethic. Ernest served his church and community as Deacon Emeritus at Ash Avenue Baptist Church and various positions with the Odd Fellows and American Legion. He was integral to the development of the HVAC program at Danville Community College, and held the position of Director of the Virginia Propane Gas Association, as well as serving on the Education and Technology Committee. Ernest is fondly remembered by the families of his late siblings, Charlie Gunter, Alvin Gunter and Dorine Graybill, as well as the families of his wife’s siblings. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Brooks Lyon Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend David Turbyfill officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, 1-2:00 pm, at Brooks Lyon Funeral Home. In following with guidelines for COVID-19, face masks and social distancing are required.