William Bessent Gunn

William Bessent Gunn, 92, of Harrisonburg, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 16, 2011. He was born June 12, 1919, in Danville, VA, and was the son of the late Arthur Talmage Gunn and Nina Hester Gunn. He was a graduate of George Washington High School in Danville and later graduated from Washington and Lee University.

Mr. Gunn moved to Harrisonburg in 1947 and was an officer and director of Shengas Corporation until 1978, when that company became a part of AmeriGas. He served as an area manager and then consultant to AmeriGas until 1990. During his years in the propane gas industry, he served as president and director of the Virginia Propane Gas Association and received that organization’s Distinguished Service Award and was made a lifetime member.

Mr. Gunn served with the 14th Air Force in China during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, each with Oak Leaf Cluster. He also received the China Memorial Medal. He remained in the Air Force Reserve after the war and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Since arriving in Harrisonburg, he has been a member of Asbury United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, and Chairman of the Trustees. He was a director of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Harrisonburg Industrial Development Authority and on the board of the Stonewall Area Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Gunn was a member of the Harrisonburg Lions Club, the Elks Club, and a charter member of Spotswood Country Club.

On September 11, 1948, he married Mary Hunter Gunn who survives. Besides his wife, he is survived by three children: Mary Hunter Corbett and her husband Andy of Smithfield, NC; William B. Gunn Jr. of Bow, NH; and Courtland Meyer and her husband John of Harrisonburg. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Paul Corbett and his wife Alicia of Graham, NC; Joshua Olsen and his wife Grace of Washington, DC; Sarah Corbett West and her husband Troy of Raleigh, NC; Sean Gunn of Washington, DC; William Gunn III of Plymouth, NH; Ted Meyer of Fairfax, VA; and Sally Meyer of Harrisonburg. In addition, Mr. Gunn is survived by a nephew, Robert Talmage Gunn of Marion, NC, and a niece, Lisa Gunn Howe, of Herndon, VA. He is also survived by a great-grandson, Max Bridger Olsen, who was born several hours prior to his death.

He will be remembered for his love of family and music, especially swing jazz. Mr. Gunn played in Big Bands before WWII and more recently, helped the families of veterans by playing his trumpet at funerals.

Friends are invited to come to 924 Oak Hill Drive from 4:30 to 6:30 Tuesday, July, 19, 2011. A graveside service will be held at 11 am Wednesday July 20, 2011, at Woodbine Cemetery with the Rev. Kathleen Overby Webster officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Asbury United Methodist Church, 205 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801, or Massanutten Regional Library, 174 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.