Thomas Luther Gunter, 86, died on May 3, 2018, at Palmetto Health Richland. Born October 1, 1931, in Winnsboro, SC, “Luke” was the son of Reverend E. N. Gunter and Annie Mae Stewart. He joined the US Navy in 1950 after graduating from Mt. Zion Institute in Winnsboro and then served during the Korean War aboard the USS Dashiell DD659 and the USS Pandemus ARL18. After naval service he returned home to Winnsboro in 1954 and married Frances Wilson. They soon started a family.
After earning his degree in Accounting from USC, Luke turned his part-time position in the USC Registrar’s office into a full-time opportunity. Later, he became Director of Administrative Computer Services. In 1975, Luke became the University Registrar. He worked in designing computer record systems and was widely respected among colleges and universities. Because of this expertise, Luke was awarded many honors, including the Frank Martin Award for excellence in computer applications and systems. He retired as Registrar Emeritus in 1993 and assisted in designing computer applications in Student Accounting for another 18 years. It is no surprise that over the decades Luke was an ardent Gamecock fan for all athletics.
Luke was a charter member and elder of McGregor Presbyterian Church. He helped to implement the outdoor cross sculpture, the Memorial Garden, and labyrinth. As an avid gardener, he enjoyed planting flowers at the church with his dear friends. Luke’s Christian faith extended far beyond his church family and into his personal family, where he exemplified grace, integrity, and Christ’s love, most notably when he served his beloved Frances during her fight with cancer. Luke lost Frances in 2016 after 62 years of marriage but continued to honor her up until reuniting with her in heaven.
Luke is predeceased by his sister Margaret Proctor and survived by his remaining three siblings, Reverend Dr. Moody Gunter, Edward Lindsay Gunter, and Dorcas Gunter Anderson Ligon.
Additionally, he is predeceased by his infant son, Stewart and survived by his remaining four children, Dr. Thomas, Jr. (Jackie), Dr. Timothy (Susan), Jean (Doug) and Dean (Alicia), as well as his thirteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, May 18, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McGregor Presbyterian Church. A Memorial service will be held the following day in the Church at 1:00 p.m. The family requests that memorials be made to the Memorial Garden fund at McGregor Presbyterian Church, 6505 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC 29212.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
