Gwynne Landing Hupfer – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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Gwynne Landing Hupfer, also known as “Hup” or “Coach”, 79, died Friday, June 29, 2018. He was born August 2, 1938 in Washington D.C., to Dayton DeForrest Hupfer and Smythe Lewis Hupfer, who preceded him in death. He has lived in Huntsville, AL since 1981. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Jeanne; his daughters, Debbie Tillman (Mark Tillman), Stacey Whitley, Lori Willis (Dean Willis) and Julie Lockard (Matt Lockard); his son, David Ford (Kelli); 10 Grandchildren and last but not least, his dog Max. Known and loved by many, he was a humble servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and greeter at Rivertree Church in Owens Crossroads. It took only minutes for someone meeting Hup to be drawn into his precious caring demeanor. He had a way of making everyone he met feel valued and loved. This was his gift. He could light up a room by his mere presence and so many felt blessed to be called his friend. His family adored him most as he unceasingly showed his love and genuine concern for them. He was known for his giving heart and lived everyday to the fullest. He liked to keep all his loved ones gas tanks full and “topped off”. His children (all grown) and grandchildren would often go out to their cars, to find a $20 bill, stuck in the door handle. To say this man was loved, appreciated and admired, truly doesn’t touch the surface. He was famous for his nonstop way of life, and never staying long in one place unless it was to comfort someone in need or watch his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide play a football game (or any other sport for that matter). He would simply get up and head for the door uttering the words “Gotta go”. He began his career as a Football Coach in Barnwell, South Carolina, where he mentored young men and has maintained lifelong friendships since. He served as an FBI agent for 22 years and was on the S.W.A.T. team. He was one of the greatest storytellers and loved sharing his FBI arrests with family and friends. After he retired, he remained in contact with some of his fellow agents, together referring to themselves as “the brotherhood.” They would meet periodically for lunches and to reminisce about their time in the bureau, family, sports and politics. To say he was a dog lover does not remotely convey his love of not only his dogs, but all dogs, especially puppies. They rendered Hup powerless to resist a nose-to-nose moment or a lick on the cheek. He never missed any of his kid’s or grandkid’s special events or sports competitions. This exemplified his unlimited support and encouragement (another of his many spiritual gifts). His sense of humor delighted anyone near him, helping to lighten life struggles and disappointments. He genuinely cared for people- and they knew it. A Celebration of Life event will be held Saturday, July 7th at Rivertree Church in Owens Cross Roads. The service will start at 3pm, with the family receiving friends and loved ones starting at 2pm. Friends are encouraged, in lieu of flowers, to make a donation to the Rivertree Building fund or New Leash on Life.

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