Dr. Robert Austin Gunnell, Sr, 83 of Kents Store, Virginia died on Friday, August 8, 2014, at Golden Living Center in Charlottesville, Virginia .

Born Tuesday, July 21, 1931 in Kents Store, Virginia , he was the son of the late Mansfield and Edna Tyree Gunnell.

Dr. Gunnell graduated from S. C. Abrams High School in 1948. He served in the United States Army in Germany from 1951-1953. With a G I bill, he attended St. Paul College of Lawrenceville, VA where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He furthered his education at State University of New York at Oswego where he received his masters degree. He later attended Michigan State University where he earned his Ph.D.

In the early 1970s, he joined the Federal Correctional Institution where he held the position of warden until he retired in 1985. After retirement, he became a "Gentleman Farmer" until he suffered a long term illness.

He was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church of Palmyra, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Doris Edwards Gunnell; three brothers, Cyrus, Mansfield, Jr. and James Gunnell.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, a loving and devoted son, Robert Austin Gunnell, Jr of Kents Store, VA., four nieces, two nephews and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1620 Shiloh Church Road, Palmyra, VA with the Reverend Mallory officiating. Interment will follow in the Edwards Family Cemetery, Kents Store, VA.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Golden Living Center of Charlottesville, VA for their kindness shown during the illness of Dr. Gunnell.