Herman Gunter Jr.

Herman Gunter, Jr., 94, of Tallahassee, Florida, went peacefully to be with the Lord on the evening of September 18, 2012. Mr. Gunter, a native of Old Tallahassee, lived a life with a distinguished career in music and wide-ranging ties to church and family.

He was born June 15, 1918, in the home his father built in downtown Tallahassee, Florida. He was the only child of Herman Gunter, Sr. and Bertha Jones Gunter. He grew up singing on local radio, learning horticulture from Mrs. McDougall of the Brokaw-McDougall House and geology from his father who was Florida's state geologist for 50 years.

He was a graduate of Leon High School (1935), the University of Florida (B.A.

1939), and Union Theological Seminary in New York City (M.A. 1941). Returning to Tallahassee after serving as minister of music in Ohio, Mr. Gunter began his many contributions to his much-loved hometown. His contributions included, serving as professor of music at Florida State University from 1948 to 1965, creation of the Choral Union at FSU, establishing the opera program at FSU, vocal coach and choral conductor from 1965 to 2008, minister of music for many years at local churches, design of horticultural gardens, and even identifying camellia species for Maclay Gardens.

In addition to a wide network of friends and fellow Christians, Mr. Gunter leaves behind a large family - a special joy for a man who started life as an only child, and who loved to tell folks, "In music, it isn't where you are that counts, it's where you're going!"

His wife and all five of his children survive Mr. Gunter: Emily Bridges Gunter (married 6/1/48) of 64 years, Herman Gunter III (Lieschen) of Live Oak, Ben Gunter of Tallahassee, Carl Gunter (Debbie) of Duluth, GA, Henry Gunter (Susan) of Tallahassee, And Mary Emily Gunter Grissett (Bryan) of Gadsden, AL.In addition , he is survived by 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A service is planned for 1:00 PM Saturday September 29, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee, Florida at the corner of Adams Street and Park Avenue. A visitation will be immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. Burial will be in the Old City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mr. Gunter's sons and grandsons.

Culley's Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.