James Emmett Gunnells of Aliceville, AL passed away October 5, 2021 at the age of 74. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Aliceville on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 11:00 am with Reverend Charlie Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately after the memorial service at the church. A graveside service will be held the following day, October 12, 2021 at Cedar Hills Cemetery in Bessemer at 11:00 am with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.
Emmett was born in Birmingham, AL on April 30, 1947. He graduated from Bessemer High School in 1965. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Alabama where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and the BSU choir. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) post graduate degree at the University of Alabama Birmingham. Dr. Gunnells then served two and a half years active duty as a dentist in the United States Navy.
Dr. Gunnells practiced dentistry in Aliceville from 1976 to his retirement in 2011. During that time, he was a member of the American Dental Association and the Alabama State Dental Association. Locally he was active in The Sixth District Dental Society, where he held offices of Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and President. Emmett enjoyed his work but more so the relationships he had with his patients.
Emmett was a member of First Baptist Church, Aliceville where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member. He was active in the Aliceville Rotary Club for 40 years where he held many offices, including President. He also led the renovation project of the Rotary Room which is now part of The Aliceville Public Library.
Before accidents and injuries limited him, Emmett enjoyed acting in plays, singing, jogging, working on his farm, hunting and fishing. His most enjoyable past time was being Pop to his five grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Buford Gunnells and Erin Carpenter Gunnells.
Emmett is survived by his wife of 47 years, Catherine Browne Gunnells; his sons, James Ross Gunnells (Mollye), Montgomery, AL and Lucas Benjamin Gunnells (Tricia), Fairhope, AL; sister, Donna Gunnells Smith (Baker), Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, A. Yates Gunnells, Lucy E. Gunnells, Tricia Cate Gunnells, Caty James Gunnells and B. Walker Gunnells and a host of beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Stephen Browne, Harvey Bearden, Dr. Pat Davis, Irvin Eatman, David Gentry, Dr. Randy Kornegay, Billy Parsons, Pat Pate, Donny Sanders, Billy Somerville, Baker Smith, Dr. Kurry Wyatt and members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class.
The family would like to express its love and appreciation to all his caregivers and the Good Lord who allowed Emmett 21 post accident years with his family and friends.
The family requests anyone wishing to remember Emmett, please consider a memorial gift to First Baptist Church of Aliceville, 323 Broad Street, Aliceville, AL 35442 or your favorite charity.