Charlie Thomas Gunnels, 96, of Richland, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, in Americus, Georgia, under hospice care.

Charlie was born on November 20, 1921, in Richland, Georgia to the late William Henry Gunnels and Nancy Elizabeth Littlejohn Gunnels.

At the age of 12 (1933) Charlie joined the Richland First Baptist Church. Charlie held the title of being the oldest living member of the church until the time of his death. He enjoyed participating at his church in many ways, some include; in 1953 he started singing in the choir, he served as a Deacon of the church and was a member of the Men's Bible Class.

On October 24, 1942, Charlie enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the 77th Infantry Division, 307th Regiment Unit during World War II. He received the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge for Heroism for Outstanding Performance Duty in the Island of Guam Campaign, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, American Service Medal Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. He served as an army intelligence scout for the battalion headquarters company while serving in the Pacific Theater.

The Hollywood movie "Hacksaw Ridge" was made about the combat medic, Desmond T. Doss, who served in the same unit as Charlie. Charlie received his Honorable Discharge on December 15, 1945 and returned home to Richland, Georgia. As a veteran he was a member of the Richland American Legion for 73 years.

After the World War II, Charlie was employed as a rural mail carrier and retired after 39 years with the United States Postal Service. His route was based around the Richland area. On June 28, 1951, Charlie married Mary Ruth Foshee of Vienna, Georgia and their life began as a family in Richland.

Charlie was a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Sons of the American Revolution, Columbus Chapter. He loved to go fishing and would always return home with a mess of fish. He had that special touch with fishing and in his backyard garden. He worked hard in the garden, growing tomatoes and other vegetables. The Big Band era was his style of music and he collected hundreds of vinyl records during his lifetime. Mary and Charlie traveled all over the United States with a church group in Columbus. They
thoroughly enjoyed their bus tours and told many amazing stories of their travels.

Mary and Charlie enjoyed spending time with their boys, Phillip and Mark. There were plenty of fishing trips, playing ball in the backyard, attending plays, choral events, basketball and baseball games. Later when the grandchildren were born, Charlie was proud to give an update on what the children were doing in school and their after school projects. Each time new photographs were received the pictures were proudly shown and displayed.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 66 years, Mary Ruth Foshee Gunnels; two beloved sons, Charles "Phillip" Gunnels of New York City, New York, and Thomas "Mark" (Angela) Gunnels of McDonough, Georgia; and three amazing grandchildren, Rachel Beth Gunnels, Lauren Foshee Gunnels and Clay Thomas Gunnels, all of McDonough, Georgia.

A Visitation Service with family and friends was held Friday evening, December 1, 2017, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Baldwin Funeral Home in Richland, Georgia.

The Church Service was held on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Richland Baptist Church in Richland, Georgia, burial was in Harmony Cemetery. The Reverend Robert Orr officiated the service.

Pallbearers serving were: Jimmy Adams, David Barrett, Allen Barrett, Jimmy Brazier, Sammy Brazier, Michael Hendon, Alfred Jackson, Steve Smith

Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Patterson, Bill Coy, Joel Robertson, Larry Smith, Charles Lee, Johnny Murrah, Bob Snipes, Adolph McLendon, Jim Boling, Joe Houston, Dr. Alluri Raju, Gary Blackburn, Paul Etheridge, Dick Merritt, Bill Goare, Rhodell Dunn

In lieu of flowers: Donations may be made and sent in Charlie's memory to Richland First Baptist Church, in care of Bethany B. Norman, 19875 GA Hwy 27, Richland, GA. 31825.

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. Visit the online guest book on the Baldwin Funeral Home web site at www.baldwinfuneralhome.com. Baldwin Funeral Home, 50 Charles Overby Dr., P. O. Box 394, Richland, GA 31825 229-887-2750