Reverend Robert (Bob) Wilbanks Gunn

Rev. Robert (Bob) Wilbanks Gunn, 81, died peacefully on January 6, 2020. Bob received his AB degree in Greek from Birmingham-Southern college and completed his Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

As a young man, Bob answered the call to ministry and was ordained an elder in full connection in the North Alabama Conference in 1963. He began his career in professional ministry at Hartselle First Methodist Church as a youth director. As an ordained elder, Bob served the following churches: Duncan, Cullman First Associate, Wesley Memorial, Aliceville, Jacksonville, Albertville First, Sheffield First, Tuscaloosa First, Latham, Sylacauga First, Jasper First, and East Lake.

After retiring in 2002, Bob continued in ministry by serving as interim pastor at St. James UMC in Florence, serving as spiritual director for the Athens Emmaus Cluster, and accepted many invitations to share his passion for preaching with many congregations.

In 1965, Bob was appointed to a vacant lot (soon to be known as Wesley Memorial) and, with God’s help in finding Christ-filled people, he was instrumental in growing the church to over 300 members in 4 years.

In 1971, Bob was a part of the Rotary Exchange Program to Denmark. While serving in Aliceville, Bob was awarded the honor of Citizen of the Year. During his time in Jacksonville, he was awarded the honor of Man of the year. He served on the Board of a Trustees of Birmingham Southern College and was asked to serve as a lifelong member. Throughout his ministry, Bob selflessly served on countless District and Conference committees, teams, and boards.

Bob expressed his gratitude for his ministry with these words: Thanks for being called to a profession that was so fulfilling, challenging, and most of the time fun. Thanks that the gifts continued, even when I gave less than my best.

Bob wrote many poems and authored two books.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Lowell Gunn, his mother, Virginia Wilbanks Gunn, and his brother, William Lowell Gunn.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen Dillard Gunn, his two sons, Robert Gunn (Julianne), and Patrick Gunn (Rachelle), and four grandchildren, Dalton Gunn, Nathan Gunn, Jonah Warren and Jordan McKenzie.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monrovia Rd, Huntsville, Alabama. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00pm, with the Celebration following at 4:00.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Alzheimer’s Association.