Monroe Junior Gunnell

Mr. Monroe Junior Gunnell, 83, of Cana, VA, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2011, in Patrick County, VA. Mr. Gunnell was born July 17, 1927, in Patrick County, VA, to the late Moody and Elsie Hawks Gunnell. He retired from Mount Airy Oil Company and was a devoted member of Flat Ridge Baptist Church, where he served as deacon for over 50 years. He served as chairman of the deacons for several years and also served as a Sunday school superintendent and other offices through the years. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Veona Vaughn Gunnell of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Doris and Wade Dawson of Cana, VA, and Donna and Andy Bryant of Pilot Mountain; three grandchildren, Ginger Gentry and her husband, Mark, of Carthage, Sabra Bryant of Raleigh, and Emily Bryant of Pilot Mountain; three great-grandchildren, Hailey, Hayden, and Eli Monroe Gentry; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Hazel Golden of Thomasville and Catherine and Troy Reeves of Springfield, VA; and a sister-in-law, Iva Lee Gunnell of Cana. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gunnell was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Gunnell; and a brother, Benton Gunnell. The funeral service will be held Sunday, March 20, 2011, at 2:00 PM at Flat Ridge Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dennis Bledsoe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Flat Ridge Baptist Church, c/o Doris Dawson, 229 Meadowbrook Road, Cana, VA 24317.