A joyful memorial celebration for Larry “Wilson” Gunter of Longview, Texas will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the Longview Metro Church, with Pastor Bruce Wike officiating. Larry reluctantly left the loving arms of his devoted wife Patricia, Saturday evening, April 26th at the Longview home, and gleefully entered the eternal presence of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Larry Wilson Gunter was born October 15th, 1941 in Fort Worth, Texas; and from that day forward, never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Jewell Gunter, two brothers and one sister.
Left to cherish every laugh filled memory and moments of joy are his wife of 34 years, Patricia of Longview, whom he married on October 27th, 1979; mother-in-law Alice Adkins Magoto of Longview; sister-in-law Tamara Blazier of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law Ted Adkins and wife Maureen of Katy, Texas; multiple nieces and nephews and hundreds of friends.
Larry was perhaps best known by many East Texans for his role as the male partner of the acclaimed “Larry & Lou” morning radio show on KYKX 105.7 FM during the mid-1970’s. During that time, he was awarded the Country Music Association’s “Small Market Disc Jockey of the Year”.
After enjoying success in advertising sales at KYKX, he was promoted to General Manager of sister station KYKS 105.1 FM in Lufkin, Texas, serving 23 years at the helm before returning to Longview.
Larry finished his career in advertising sales for Reynolds Radio, owners of “The Blaze” and Power 99.3 FM, where he continued working until his death.
Over the years, he served on multiple broadcasting and community committees and boards, including the Lufkin, Texas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Lufkin Salvation Army and the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors. He was an avid supporter of the Marine Corps annual “Toys for Tots” drive.
In 2013, Larry was inducted into the “Hall of Honor” by the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
As a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Broadcasters, the Masonic Lodge and other groups, he helped promote and served his industry and communities through program and services outreaches, receiving many recognitions and awards for his contributions.
Larry “fathered” and was a dedicated mentor to dozens of young men and women in the broadcast industry. Whether they called him Larry, “Uncle Larry”, “Old Man Wilson”, “Wireless” “Coach” or any of a dozen nicknames, each was expressed with undeniable affection and appreciation for his leadership, teaching, steady hand of guidance and forgiving spirit.
His infectious laugh and quick humor were never lacking, nor did his generous actions or self-sacrificing gifts ever fail. Even in his last hours, he was encouraging and leading those whom he helped enter the industry some 40 years ago.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to, are encouraged to donate to their local Humane Society, as Larry loved animals; or to the Texas Association of Broadcasters Scholarship Award Program.
Visitation is Wednesday, April 30, 2014 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 West Harrison Road in Longview. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Longview Metro Church, 310 Spur 63, Longview, with interment to follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
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