Bro. James Robert Gunnels

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7)

Bro. James Gunnels, 86, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, August 19, 2021. A service celebrating his earthly life will be held 2 P.M., Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Walters Funeral Home 610 S. Commerce St. Centerville, Texas. Bro. Jim Bob Gunnels and Bro. Bo Gunnels will officiate the service. Interment will follow in the Ivie Cemetery near Kennard, Texas. The Gunnels family will receive friends Monday, August 23rd from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Walters Funeral Home.

James Robert Gunnels was born May 26, 1935 at his parents' home in Houston County, Texas to parents, Homer Thell & Grace Gunnels. He married Patricia Faye Arnold, the love of his life, on November 26, 1957. In 1966, Bro. Gunnels surrendered to the call to preach the gospel passionately, and many lives were changed as a result. He would frequently be found in his living room with an open Bible on his knees reading and praying. He stood firm on God's Word spending much of his life talking with and praying for family and friends concerning their relationship and walk with Christ. He often sought a place on their property where he could call out to the Lord intentionally without distraction. All of these things and more contribute to the testimony that he left behind to those who knew and loved him. He served as pastor of Ivie Baptist Church, then as pastor and charter member of Victory Baptist for over forty years. The Lord lead he and his wife Patricia to move to Leon County in 1978.

Bro. Gunnels was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Thell Gunnels and Grace Lenore (Gibson) Gunnels; his sister, Violet (Gunnels) Teal and brothers, Ernest and Arlon Gunnels.

He is survived by Patricia Faye Gunnels, his loving and devoted wife of sixty-three years; son, James Gunnels, Jr. and wife, Mary of Centerville, TX; daughter, Teresa (Gunnels) Buchanan and husband, Michael of Rowlett, TX; son, John Gunnels and wife, Olga of Fulshear, TX; son, Joel Gunnels and wife, Sheila of Waco, TX and daughter, Rebecca (Gunnels) Wall of Leona, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Doris (Gunnels) Corbitt of Crockett, TX; brothers, Billy Gunnels of Burneyville, OK and Jerry Gunnels of Gatesville, TX, as well as fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and very close extended family.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.