Shelvyn Gunter

Henry Shelvyn Gunter, 72, of Elberton went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 14, 2010 after an extended illness. Shelvyn was born and raised in Elbert County by his parents, Crayon and Lucy Smith Gunter.He was a lifelong Elbert County Blue Devil having played football for the legendary coach, “Chunk” Atkinson, and was famous for his ever growing “tape ball.”He graduated from Elberton High School in 1956. Shelvyn married his high school sweetheart, Ann Williams, in 1960, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past June by dancing to the music of the 1950’s while surrounded by family and friends. Shelvyn was a man who exemplified the qualities of integrity, generosity and hard work.He devoted his entire working career to the granite industry in Elberton and proudly served as a member of the National Guard in active duty in 1961.Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he founded his own company, Everlasting Granite in 1972 and he enjoyed 38 years of working side by side with dedicated coworkers, suppliers and customers. Shelvyn’s greatest joy in life came in spending time with friends and family at the beach, lake and on his beloved farm.He also loved serving the Lord on many mission trips to Haiti and through his support of missions around the world.He was a member ofFirst Baptist Church of Elberton where he served as a deacon and as a member of the Missions Team. Shelvyn is survived by his wife, Ann Williams Gunter, and his sons and their wives; Vick and Beverly of Piedmont, S.C., and Greg and JoAnn of Elberton, his grandchildren; Brad, Mitch, Elizabeth and Abby, his brothers; Benton Gunter of Marietta, and Sid Gunter of Acworth. Shelvyn was preceded is death by his parents and his sister, Joyce Gunter Butler. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, December 17, 2010, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church with Pastors Ken Whitfield and Russell Bruce officiating. Visitation will be held from 9-11 am in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist ChurchInterment will be at Elmhurst Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hicksfuneral.com. Hicks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Henry Shelvyn Gunter.