Henry David "HD" Gunter

Henry David "HD" Gunter, 80, of the Boiling Springs community, entered his eternal rest on June 22, 2026, at his home on Deer Hill Road. Born on May 8, 1946, in the Black Creek Township of Lexington County, South Carolina, he was the son of the late George Dewey Gunter and Allene Clamp Gunter.

HD was a lifelong resident of the Pelion and Boiling Springs communities and a proud graduate of Pelion High School, Class of 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Joyce Spradley, on October 16, 1965. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community. They made their home on Deer Hill Farms, where they raised their two sons, David and Michael.

Throughout his life, HD balanced two callings he loved. For 25 years, he worked as a steam plant operator at Fort Jackson while also helping operate Deer Hill Farms. Whether at the steam plant or on the farm, he was known as a dependable worker, a gifted problem solver, and someone who could always be counted on when a difficult job needed to be done. Co-workers and friends knew that when a challenge arose, HD was often the person who could find a solution. His strong work ethic, practical wisdom, and willingness to help others earned the respect of all who worked alongside him.

Family was the center of HD's life. Alongside Betty, he devoted himself to supporting their sons in every endeavor. Together they faithfully attended David's and Michael's football, basketball, and baseball games. No matter the schedule, the distance, or the demands of work, the boys never took the field or court without knowing a parent would be there cheering them on.

Following Betty's passing, God brought a new blessing into HD's life. On May 11, 2019, he wed Kristi Leitner Gunter. Together they shared a loving marriage and Kristi faithfully walked beside him during the later years of his life.

HD enjoyed farming, traveling, and spending time with his family. He especially loved driving old tractors, working around the farm, attending farm equipment sales, and sharing stories with family and friends. His storytelling ability, quick wit, and wealth of experiences made him a favorite companion around the kitchen table, on the porch, or wherever people gathered. Whether telling stories about the farm, family adventures, or lessons learned through the years, HD had a way of making people laugh, listen, and feel at home.

His faith was an important part of his life. He was raised at Boiling Springs Methodist Church and later attended Florence Baptist Church and Convent Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Kristi Leitner Gunter; his sons, David Gunter of Pelion and Michael Gunter (Ashlie) of Lexington; six grandchildren, Henry David Gunter III (Hartley), Lindsey Gunter, Ellie Gunter, Tyler Gunter, Ethan Gunter, and Jacob Gunter; and his brothers, Roy Gunter and Farroll Gunter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Betty Joyce Spradley Gunter; his brothers, George Dewey Gunter II, John Virgil Gunter, and Carroll Gunter; and his sister, Leona Smith Toole.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Convent Baptist Church, 787 Convent Church Road, Leesville, South Carolina. Interment will follow in the cemetery of Convent Church.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

HD's life was marked by hard work, unwavering devotion to his family, steadfast faith, and a deep love for the land he called home. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the stories he shared, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, wisdom, and example. Above all, HD loved his family. The farm was more than a place to live — it was where generations gathered, memories were made, stories were told, and lessons were passed from one generation to the next.