Charles "Chuck" Gunn

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Charles “Chuck” DeWayne Gunn, born in McCook, Nebraska on December 27, 1948, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was 75 years old.

Chuck joined the United States Coast Guard in 1967 out of high school and dedicated his life to serving his country as a Master Chief Petty Officer where he demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment. Throughout his distinguished career, he mentored and inspired countless colleagues, leaving a lasting impression on the U.S. Coast Guard and those who had the privilege of working with him His career posts included Alameda, CA, Honolulu, HI, Port Aransas, TX, Sheboygan, MI, Memphis, TN, Ashtabula, OH, Galveston, TX, Owensboro, KY, Pine Bluff, AR, and back to Memphis, TN where he retired in 1997 after 30 years of distinguished service. During his service, Chuck received many awards, including: two gold Coast Guard Commendations, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, gold Department Transportation Medal, two gold Coast Guard Unit Commendations, two gold Meritorious Unit Commendations, Bicentennial Unit Commendation, one silver and three bronze Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, bronze National Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Special Ops Ribbon, four bronze Coast Guard Sea Service Medals, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, and the Secretary’s Outstanding Unit Award.

Chuck had many hobbies he enjoyed in his free time that included cycling, golfing, and fishing, and he was an avid sports fan as well. During those times he was in port and off duty, he would cycle to the closest town, pedal around the area, or get some real exercise by bicycling up into the mountains. One of his many bicycling trips took him from Pine Bluff to Eureka Springs - over 200 miles! He also loved to take short golfing trips with his buddies, hopefully to somewhere he could get some good barbeque. After a fun weekend of golf, Chuck and his buds would head for the nearest barbecue joint where they could eat their fill of hot and spicy pork sandwiches or some nice sweet tender baby back ribs. In all his dining experiences, he only found one place whose barbeque was too hot for him to handle. In addition to trying out old, new, and renowned restaurants, which he loved, Chuck also was a great sous chef and helped his friends in many chili cookoffs and barbeque contests. All in attendance at the events, particularly the children, loved it when he would don a chicken suit and flap and squawk and hop around or lead everyone dancing all throughout the venue like the pied piper. As if he needed more hobbies, Chuck was a sports addict. There wasn’t a sport he wouldn’t watch. He spent many years following NASCAR and attended many races in Bristol and Talladega. He particularly loved the Razorbacks and had many wonderful times tailgating with friends before the games and yelling Woo Pig Sooie once in the stadium. When there was a race or ballgame on TV, he wouldn’t hesitate to invite everyone over and throw something on the grill.

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years Robin Kelley-Gunn, his loving sister Christine Gunn, his sons Michael Gunn (Andrea), Mark Gunn, and Matthew Gunn (Crystal), cherished friend Kellie Stadwick, Brothers-in-law Scott Kelley (Sandi) and Michael Kelley, and grandchildren Maison (Santanna), Cameron, Joshua, Micah, Jaiden, Ethan, Dereck, Natalya, and Jamenson. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Donald and Virginia Gunn of Nebraska, and his sister Cheryl Gunn McCorkle, whose memory he cherished every day.

Chuck’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. His unwavering integrity, dedication, sense of humor, passion for his work, loyalty to his country and his devotion to his family and friends will be fondly remembered by those who lives he touched.

So that his friends and family can honor and celebrate Chuck’s life, a visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights Street, Hot Springs, AR. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Garland County V, A., 501 Ouachita, Room 105, Hot Springs, AR 71909, an organization that was close to Chuck’s heart.

Rest in peace Master Chief, you were loved and you will be missed.