Richard Boyd Gunning

Richard Gunning, age 82 of Knoxville, TN, passed away June 3, 2024. Richard was born on January 18, 1942 in Norman, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Eleanor Gunning; his first wife, Betty Hurst Gunning; sons, David Gunning and Shane Poole and grandchild, Will Gunning; sister, Linda Gunning. After graduating college at OU, he began his career of teaching and enlisted in the Army. He served with 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division where he was awarded the Expert Infantryman’s Badge and selected to attend officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA. After his commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry, he was then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He completed his military obligation with the 95th Infantry Division (Training) UAR in Oklahoma City and completed his college degree at the University of Oklahoma and starting his first teaching job in Industrial Arts at Nichols Hills High School in Oklahoma City. Richard taught high school in Hendersonville, NC, Dawson, GA . He taught computer science at a Terrell County High School. He also taught Graphic Arts and Industrial Arts, and Drafting at Hendersonville High School. He was a custom builder, and developer of Chanteloup Country Estates in Flat Rock, NC. He was instrumental in the preservation of Chanteloup Estate. He was a member of Flat Rock Historical Society and was devoted to historic preservation. He was a member of the Dawson Historical Society and SC. He taught 37 years and made a difference in many kids’ lives. He taught shop, computers, drafting and design. He also taught Graphic Arts and Industrial Arts and drafting at Hendersonville, NC. He was a member of the Rotary Club. He had 2 National State Credited Classes. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in HHS 2023. Richard and his wife Vickie loved gardening flowers, and bird watching and traveling. He was a master at woodworking. Richard and Vickie are members of West End Church of Christ. Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Vickie Gunning for 21 years; children, Blake Poole, Amy DeBusk, Dan Gunning, Jimmy Gunning, Kristy Gunning, Rhonda Gunning; grandchildren, Aiden Poole, Richard DeBusk, Robert Gunning, Lindsay Gunning, Matt Gunning, Tori Gunning, Seth Gunning, Ashley Scolari, Chris Farmer, John Gunning and Joey Gunning; great-grandchildren, Luke Debusk, Grant Gunning, Gabriella Gunning, Isabelle Gunning and Braxton Solara; brother, Tommy (Linda) Gunning; sister, Mary Jean (Rick) Greene. The family will receive friends Monday, June 17th at Weaver Funeral Home from 10 am to 12 pm with the service to follow at 12 pm. Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy., Knoxville, TN 27920 for a 2 pm Military Service. Condolences and memories may be left at www.wweaverfuneralservices.com.