Wayne E dward Gunter, 73, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at his home.

Born on August 31, 1946 in Anderson, South Carolina, Wayne was educated in South Carolina and Florida public schools.  He worked as a plumber/pipefitter for forty-five years and served four years in the United States Air Forc e including one tour in Vietnam.  He married his high school sweetheart Nancy Saultz on March 2, 1968.

Wayne was initiated October 11, 1988, passed November 11, 1988 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on January 14, 1989 in Rhea Springs Lodge #310 Spring City, Tennessee.  He served as Worshipful Master from 1992-1993.

Wayne was exalted into the Royal Arch Degree s in the Rhea Springs Chapter #83 in 1989.  He served as High Priest in 2010 and was currently serving as Captain of the Host. He was g reeted as a Select Master in Drummond Council #86 in Crossville, Tennessee in 1989. Wayne served as Illustrious Master 2010 and 2012 and was currently serving as Captain of the Guard.  He was also a plural member of Calvary Council #140 in Dayton, Tennessee.

In 1989, Wayne was Knighted in Plateau Commandery #38 Crossville, Tennessee and served as Commander in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.  He was also a plural member of Cyrene Commandery #42 Dayton, Tennessee.

He was a member of the York Rite College, serving as Governor, Order of the Purple Cross, Knight Of The York Cross Of Honour, The Tennessee College Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitiaibus Foederatis, the Scottish Rite Chattanooga, Tennessee serving as Orator in the Lodge of Perfection, St. Mathias conclave Red Cross of Constantine.  He was also a member of St. Thomas of Acon Cornelius Chapel #22, The Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Commanders, The Super Excellent Masters Degree, Order of High Priesthood, Order of the Silver Trowel serving as Illustrious Prince of the South, Knight Masons, York Rite Association, Knight Crusaders of the Cross and National Sojourners.

Wayne served as Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Commandery in 2011 and Grand Sword Bearer in 2012.  He was elected Grand Captain General in 2014 and had advanced each year with great enthusiasm.  It had been an honor for him to serve the Grand Commander y of the great state of Tennessee.  He also served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knight Templar in 2017.

Wayne was a member of the First Baptist Church of Spring City.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Earline Mobley.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years Nancy Gunter of Spring City, children Brian (Anita) Gunter and Dana (Carl) Thunquist both of Spring City, sister-in-law Linda Slate r of Crossville, Tennessee, special cousin Linda Horne of Dublin, South Carolina and grandchildren Drew Gunter and Cameron and Karlee Thunquist and several nieces and nephews.

A private masonic graveside service with military honors will be held in the Spring City Memorial Gardens.  There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Knight's Templar Eye Foundation at www.ktef.org or the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home of Tennessee Fund at 100 7 th Avenue, North, Nashville, Tennessee 37203 .

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements.  Please  visit our website at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com to share memories and condolences with the family of Wayne Gunter.