William C. “Bill” Gunter, 90, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 17, 2025 with his beloved wife of 42 years and loved ones by his side.

Bill was born on February 7, 1935 in Wagener, SC, the son of Robert Earle Gunter and Margie Busbee Gunter.  He is predeceased by both parents and a younger brother, Robert Earle Gunter, Jr.

Bill was raised in Wagener, SC.  He graduated from Wagener High School where he played football, basketball and baseball.  He attended North Greenville College and obtained a BS in Math and Education from Clemson College.  He received a master’s degree from Western Carolina in Administration. He later was in the Army Reserves for a year.

Bill had a long, rewarding and successful career in education. In addition to being named in the publication of Outstanding Young Men in American in 1970, he served on many various committees that promoted the welfare and education of children. Bill started his career teaching 6th grade in West Columbia, SC and 8th grade science at Beaufort Junior High School.  He was teaching principal for 5th grade at Port Royal Elementary in Beaufort, SC, principal of Barnwell Elementary, principal at Pinewood Elementary in West Columbia, principal at Northside Middle School in West Columbia and concluded his public-school career at Battery Creek High School in Beaufort.  He retired from public school education in 1986 but continued in education by teaching math and science at Beaufort Academy in Beaufort, SC. Bill and his wife Joanie moved from Beaufort to St. George and have lived there for over 30 years.

Bill had a great fondness for horses.  He got his first horse at age four and has owned horses for most of his life.   He rode barrel horses and western horses, but his real love was cutting horses.  He spent over 30 years owning and showing cutting horses.  He won numerous trophies and belt buckles over the years but was especially proud of making the finals at Augusta Futurity.  Bill was extremely knowledgeable about horses and always ready to share his knowledge and experience with others.  He especially liked to teach young people how to ride.  In addition, Bill was very active in Lower South Carolina Cutting Horse Association and served as president for several years.

Before Bill got into cutting horses, he was an avid deer hunter.  He kept his own hunting dogs for years and loved to dog hunt.  Bill simply loved nature and the outdoors.

In addition to loving horses and hunting, Bill was a voracious reader.  He especially liked to read every western novel written by Louis La’More at least three times.  Bill was a great conversationalist.  He could talk to anyone about anything.  He was never boastful, but Bill was very knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics.  He knew the answer to any math problem usually before the complete question was asked.  He was extremely quick witted and always had a clever and amusing reply to all.  He had a gift of making others laugh and feel better in general.  Bill was a kind, honest man and a wonderful husband.  His special qualities will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. 

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor George Moore officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. George Memorial Gardens. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM until time of service.  Pallbearers will be Brent Jackson, Benjamin Jordan, Corey Westbrook, Connor Hartzog, Hunter Hartzog, Haden Hartzog and Matthew Byrd and honorary pallbearers will be Barry Hammer and David Gonzales.

Memorials may be made to the National Youth Cutting Horse Association, 260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76107.