JOHN DAWSON GUNNELS
1937-2018
John Dawson Gunnels, born May 1, 1937, passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior on April 14, 2018. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving husband to his devoted wife of 61 years, Bonnie, and loving father to Terri Martinez (Marty) and Rhonda Braly (Rick), adoring grandfather to Remy Martinez, Heather Borrego, Jorden Mills (Justin), Austin Braly, Taylor Braly, John Martinez and Madison Braly, and adoring great grandfather to Jaqueline McCracken (Roger), Madison Borrego, Kaydence Braly, Jackson Mills, Emma Braly, Jenner Mills and great, great granchild Roger McCracken III, loving brother to Reba Jo Whitley and Gary Gunnels (Renee), sister in law Fran Dickens and brother in law Jerry Taylor. John is preceded in death by his parents, John Robert Hope Gunnels and Florence Till Gunnels.
John grew up in Elkhart, Texas and played football for the fighting Elkhart Elks in high school, was voted Class Favorite and also sang at school functions. As a young man, John loved hunting and fishing with his brother-inlaw, Larry Taylor. His next love was playing his guitars, both electric and acoustic, and singing Johnny Cash songs. John was self-taught and he definitely had an ear for the notes. He would have many exciting opportunities to sing at noted venues. He was privileged to sing on the Louisiana Hayride and his most notable experience was opening for Johnny Cash in Tyler, Texas. Johnny Cash asked him what he planned on singing and John said, “One of your songs, if you don’t mind”. Afterwards, Johnny told him he did a great job! Johnny Cash continued to be John’s idol throughout his life. He would play at family and church gatherings and he had several appearances on stage at the Liberty Opry House in Liberty, Texas. Possibly the greatest musical experience of his life was when Vincent Kickerillo was so impressed by John’s singing, he flew John, his wife Bonnie and Mary Kay, Vincent’s wife, to Los Angeles to cut a record. The record was Blue Day and Crazy Heart by Energi Recording Label owned by Mr. Kickerillo. John was very appreciative of the opportunity and one of the songs actually made the number one spot on several rural country radio stations!
John was paralyzed in 1964 at the very young age of 26 with daughter Terri, age 5 and Rhonda, 18 months. This was quite a blow and would change their lives forever. John and Bonnie fought hard through this difficult time and their roles changed. Bonnie began working and John became a stay-at-home dad to the girls for 14 years. In 1978, John’s previous Boss, Ray Partin called and offered him a job as Purchasing Agent for his offshore drilling rig fabrication business. John worked there until he retired due to health concerns, in May, 2014. John continued to battle through many medical struggles up to the time of his death.
Through all of the strife and hardships he endured, he remained a very faithful servant. John loved the Lord, his church and his family with all his heart. He also enjoyed playing dominoes with friends, and he loved music and football. He was an amazing man and all who knew him were touched by his presence. He will be greatly missed and we rejoice that he will be in Heaven with functioning legs, free of pain and can once again run free, play his guitars, sing and possibly join in some fishing with Larry!
A memorial service for John will be held at Crosby Church of Christ, 3737 Highway 90, Crosby, TX 77532 on May 5, 2018 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made, in John’s memory, to Westbury Christian School, 10420 Hillcroft, Houston, TX 77096, or a favorite charity of your choice.