Claude Morris Gunnels

Claude Morris Gunnels, 79, of North Charleston, formerly of Kingstree, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 3, 2011, at Trident Medical Center.

Mr. Gunnels was born March 25, 1931, in North Charleston, a son of the late Roy Lee Gunnels and Mary Bray Gunnels. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, playing the trumpet with the Air Force band and marching in many Rose Bowl Parades. While he was stationed in California he also blew trumpet with the Harry James Band. Upon returning to Charleston, he played with many famous musicians, including Pat Boone.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he graduated from Palmer College with a degree in Business. He began his waterfront career with Carolina Shipping Company, working his way up to Vice President. He later joined Street Brothers, Inc., one of the oldest steamship agencies in the United States, as Vice President. He was elected president of the Propeller Club of Charleston in 1970 and was a member of the Men’s Transportation Club, as well as other waterfront organizations. After retiring from the shipping industry, he became a package store owner in St. Stephen, where he made many good friends. Claude enjoyed many years of fishing and boating in Charleston and Lake Moultrie. He also enjoyed many vacations with his family, especially trips to the mountains.

Surviving are his daughters: LeAnne Gunnels Floyd and her husband, John of Charleston, and Leslie Gunnels Bebirian and her husband, John, of Las Vegas, Nevada; a son – Thomas C. Gunnels and his wife, Lisa, of Vermont; a brother – Carl H. Gunnels of Atlanta; sister-in-law – Anne Wells Possenti of James Island, and his former wife and best friend, Nancy Wells Gunnels, of Moncks Corner. He was predeceased by 2 brothers - Kenneth H. Gunnels and LeRoy P. Gunnels.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 409 King Street, Suite 300, Charleston, S. C. 29403

His funeral service will be at 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon, January 6, 2011, in RUSSELL FUNERAL CHAPEL, Moncks Corner. Interment will follow in Biggin Cemetery. Friends may call at Russell Funeral Chapel from 2 o’clock until the hour of service.