Ruby Pinkard Gunnels

February 19, 1937 – January 13, 2024

Quick to smile and laugh, Ruby Gunnels undoubtedly smiled more broadly than ever when she met her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face, on the morning of January 13th.  A devout believer, Ruby was looking forward to being reunited with her husband, Millard, and a host of family who went on ahead to their heavenly home.

Born to William "Bud" and Freddie Dell Pinkard on  February 19, 1937, Ruby grew up in Webster County where she graduated from high school, at which she enjoyed playing basketball and studying Home Economics.  She went on to marry Millard Gunnels, of Richland, on April 19, 1957.  Blessed with three children, Milinda (Stan Fussell), Rebecca (Dave Wills), and Lewis (Shanda), Ruby enjoyed family life that later included many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  One of her favorite occasions of each year was Christmas when a large crowd of family would gather to celebrate.

For much of their married life, Ruby and Millard resided in Richland, where they operated and managed Gunnels Service Center, a dry goods store.  If not working in the store or taking care of children at home, Ruby could usually be found working in her church.  A member of the Richland Baptist Church, then later a member of Preston Baptist Church, Ruby worked with the youth, helped lead Vacation Bible School, was a member of the Women's Missionary Union (WMU), served as a Hostess, and for decades sang in the choir, lending her voice to a heavenly chorus of worship.   After Ruby's mother passed into Glory in 1994, Millard and Ruby moved to Preston.

Ruby didn't quite make it to her 87th birthday, but she made it all the way home, to the grandest place one could go – Heaven!  In doing so, she left behind many family members that in addition to her children and their offspring, includes one sister, Margie Musselwhite (Perry), one sister-in-law, Margie Pinkard (Marrietta), and one brother-in-law, Guy Gunnels (Plains), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services, held on Monday January 15th, 1:00 – 1:45 visitation with the family, church service at 2:00 pm all at Preston Baptist Church in Preston, Georgia.  The service was led by Reverend Chris Hess and Reverend Raymond Smith.  Son-in-law Dave Wills offered remarks on behalf of the family.  Pianist Julie Page, whom Ruby loved to hear play, graced the service with beautiful renditions of favorite hymns.  Ruby was laid to rest next to Millard, in Preston City Cemetery, with grandsons, Eric Russell, Brad Fussell, Ryan Fussell, Matt Gunnels, Mitch Wills, and great-grandson, Dylon Barrett, serving as pallbearers, carrying their beloved "Mommie", as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, to her final resting place in Preston, Georgia.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be mailed in Ruby's memory to her beloved Preston Baptist Church, 6677 Cass St., Preston, Ga 31824

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