Rev. Monroe Gunter

Rev. Donald Monroe Gunter, age 81, of Ball Ground, passed away gently at his home on Monday, June 26, 2023 after a yearlong battle with triple hit lymphoma.

Rev. Gunter, a native of Forsyth County and Alpharetta and longtime resident of Canton, was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Ellijay. He pastored a dozen churches across North Georgia and served God faithfully as a minister for over 50 years helping in numerous revivals, funerals, and weddings. In addition, he owned Gunter Grading and Hauling and was known for his quality work and skill.

Rev. Gunter was larger than life and beloved for his devotion to God, his sense of humor, his love for his family and friends, and his unflinching work ethic. He could roar like a lion but be as gentle as a lamb. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gospel music, birdwatching, gardening, church, the beauty of nature, NASCAR, and fellowshipping with family and friends. He loved children of all ages throughout his life and relished being a father, grandfather, and “dad” to children in the community and the churches he pastored.

He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-five years, JoAnn Gunter; parents Grace Gunter and Maloy Gunter; brothers Bill, Raymond, Charles, and Marion Gunter. Survivors include daughter Buffy (Scott) Hamilton and Canton; son Todd (Jocelyn) Gunter of Pennsylvania. “Papa” is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Owen and Camden Gunter of Pennsylvania. Additional survivors include sister Jean Tweed, Dawsonville; sister Joyce (Larry) Goodwin, Dawsonville, and brother Larry (Erika) Gunter of Alpharetta as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Granddogs Edna and Phoebe provided “Papa” comfort and love in the last year of his life and were regular companions on mini road-trips with his daughter.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 on Friday, June 30 at the South Canton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Estes, Rev. Larry Waddell. Rev. Doug Godfrey, and Rev. Derrick Grogan officiating; a special eulogy from longtime friend Dennis Stowers will be given. Interment and graveside services will be held at Bethany Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The family will receive friends from 4PM-8PM Wednesday, June 28; 10AM-8PM Thursday, June 29; and from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM Friday, June 30 at South Canton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery fund, DREAM Dachshund Rescue of Georgia, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Rev. Gunter's memory.

The Gunter Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff and extraordinary care team from Heritage Hospice for their tender loving care of Rev. Gunter during his time in home hospice care. In addition, the family deeply appreciates the additional after hours assistance and expertise provided by caregivers Shana Blackwell, Tammy Vacciana, Nadine Jodesty, and Kaye Davis. The family especially appreciates Shana for helping shepherd Rev. Gunter through his recovery from sepsis and quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2015 and for her devoted care of Rev. Gunter and his family in the final weeks of his life.

Last but not least, the family would like to thank Dr. Ambreen Mardhani, Dr. Ming Chi, and the exceptional oncology nurses at Atlanta Cancer Care in Canton. Most of all, the family is indebted to the support provided by cherished friends in the community and the prayers from family and friends near and far.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377.