Millard Lewis Gunnels, Sr.
If you met Millard Gunnels and did not like him afterwards, odds are something was wrong with you. Always ready with a quick smile and a hearty laugh, Millard was a friend to scores of people because of his generous, gregarious spirit and his genuine love of his fellow man.
As proprietor of Gunnels Service Center in Richland, Georgia, for about three decades, Millard and his wife, Ruby, who worked in the dry goods store alongside him, sold everything from FRM feed to clothing and appliances. His business served a variety of people, from prominent farmers, to hourly workers who needed credit to purchase an appliance. When asked by a customer if he could help them, his trademark response was "yea man."
The story is told that one day a man from Lumpkin went into Millard's store and, seeing the "western" style shirt Millard was wearing, exclaimed how much he liked it and wanted one like it. Not having one in stock to sell, Millard literally took the shirt off and made yet another customer happy right on the spot.
After retiring from self-employment, Millard worked for several years at Sunshine Biscuit Company in Columbus.
A veteran of the U. S. Army, Millard was enlisted from 2/10/54 – 2/8/57, then continued in the U. S. Army Reserve until 2/9/62.
Always ready to enjoy fun in good company, Millard loved to dance with his wife. Whether square dancing or doing the jitterbug, he was light on his feet and had a light heart, prone to having a good time!
A true believer in Jesus Christ, Millard was faithfully committed to his church. At Preston Baptist (Preston, GA), Millard served for decades as a deacon, for years worked with young boys in the Royal Ambassadors program, and otherwise was faithful in attendance as long as his health permitted. Keeping a stash of

peppermint candy in his pocket, he dispensed the favors to children Sunday after Sunday. Nothing made him smile more than to have some of his grandchildren come to church while visiting in town.
Married to Ruby Pinkard Gunnels since April 19, 1957, she and their three children, Milinda (Stan) Fussell, Rebecca (Dave) Wills, and Lewis (Shanda) Gunnels survive, along with seven grandchildren (Eric, Brad and Ryan Fussell; Christin Wills Kooti and Mitch Wills; Matt and Samantha Gunnels) and 12 great grandchildren. One brother, Guy, two sisters-in-law, Mildred (Gilbert) and Ruby (Kenyon), one brother-in-law (Ed Bowers) and a host of nieces and nephews also survive. Millard was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and French Gunnels, two brothers, Kenyon and Gilbert, and one sister, Barbara Bowers.
A Visitation Service with family and friends was held on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, at Baldwin Funeral Home in Richland, Georgia. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 29 at Preston Baptist Church. The Reverend Raymond Smith officiated. Layman Phil Addy offered special remarks. Pianist Julie Page played for the service and son-in-law Dave Wills sang a song he wrote about Millard, titled "Dada," the name for him used by his grandchildren. Millard's grandsons served as active pallbearers. Deacons of Preston Baptist and members of Webster County Fire/EMS, who so faithfully responded to the many times Millard needed assistance, served as honorary pallbearers. Internment followed at Preston City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Preston Baptist Church.
Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. guest book, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com. Baldwin Funeral Home, 50 Overby Dr., P. O. Box 394, Richland, GA 31825 229-887-2750