Mike H. Gunner, 80, a Tupelo original, passed from this life to Paradise on Thursday, March 7, 2019 from the NMMC Hospice Unit. Born December 28, l938 in Tupelo to Michael Gunner and Claudia Clements Gunner, Mike attended Tupelo public schools and graduated from Tupelo High School in l956, where he was a member of the Lion’s All State Band. He attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He married his sweetheart of 58 years, Martha Gilbert Gunner on Oct. 15, l960 in Memphis. Mike served 4 years in the Mississippi National Guard. He joined the family business after college, Gunner’s Feed Store, with his father. Mike later joined Purnell’s Pride Chicken Co. where he was Corporate Secretary and later founded and owned Sparkle Car and Van Works and retired from sales at King Kars. Mike enjoyed life, laughter and the fellowship he knew with his family and wide circle of friends. He was an avid golfer, a former member of the Tupelo Country Club, an Ole Miss Rebels and Chargers fan, an consummate bowler and member of the Tupelo Bowling Hall of Fame. Mike was christened at birth at Saint James Catholic Church and was a Parishioner there until his death. He served the Parish for many years as Choir Director, Song Leader and member of the Saint James Parish Council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mass will be recited at 11 AM Monday, March 18, 2019 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Tim Murphy and Father Henry Shelton officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.
Survivors include his wife, Martha of Tupelo; 5 children, Michael Gunner of Atlanta, Linda Underwood of Memphis, Mark Gunner (Melissa) of Tupelo, Brad Gunner (Brenda) of Olive Branch and Marti Hall (Jeff) of Snowmass Village, Colorado. 9 grandchildren, Andrew, Trip, Elizabeth, Stuart, Alex, Julia, Elijah, Jeffrey and William. 3 great grandchildren, Liam, Nolan and Ridge.
Memorials may be made to The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi at 800 Avery Blvd., Suite 100 Ridgeland, MS 39157.
