Edmond “Gary” Guntor, age 68, of Cumming, GA, passed away Saturday June 2, 2018 at home with his wife and son by his side. Gary was born March 19, 1950 in Macon, GA, son of Charlie and Monnie Guntor. He sustained two passions throughout his life: radio broadcasting and model trains.
At age 14, he created a radio station from his bedroom, WIAR, which broadcasted to the surrounding streets and was enjoyed by his neighbors. His first professional radio job was working for a weekend morning show at WMAZ in Macon. He graduated from Lanier High School in 1968 where he was the company commander of his ROTC program.
Upon graduation, Gary moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University where he obtained a degree in business. His broadcasting career continued as a disc jockey at AM 750-WSB where he was an admired on-air talent hosting a weekend program and doing much of the voiceover work for the station. Gary’s role ultimately expanded into work with the Atlanta Falcons broadcast team combining his love of radio with his love for the Falcons.
Parallel to his work in radio, Gary built a 20+ year career with Georgia Power and Southern Company as a manager in the corporate communications department where he and his team pioneered satellite distance learning programs which became a model for many corporations across the country. His love for model railroading started as a young boy when on his first Christmas he received a train from his beloved grandfather. His passion for toy trains continued to grow throughout his life and took on new meaning after the birth of his son in December 1984.
At age 34, Gary’s childhood love of toy trains took on new vigor and he started building a collection that would ultimately become a legacy for his children and grandchildren. He led the creation of a limited edition Lionel train set for the Georgia Power Company to commemorate the Olympics hosted by Atlanta in 1996. He was an active member of the Train Collectors Association and served numerous times in various leadership roles.
Gary’s other enduring interest was Georgia Bulldogs football. He spent many years cheering for the Dawgs and enjoyed their most recent run to the national championship game. He was endlessly devoted to his family and cherished and loved by his many friends.
He was a loving and committed husband and a devoted father and grandfather. Gary was a faithful friend, and was described by loved ones and strangers alike as a “good man” and a gentleman. He was an all-around good guy and the world was lucky to host him for a while and would be better off if it had more men like him.
Gary is survived by his wife of 40 years, Karen; his daughter Adrienne Shema and grand-daughters Victoria, Katherine, and Gabrielle; his son and daughter-in-law Brandon and Kathleen Guntor and grandchildren Price and Lane; his sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Ken Cloud. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home with Pastor Ernie Forrester and Pastor Marty Barrett officiating followed by a graveside service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming is in charge of arrangements.
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