Robert G. Gunby

Robert “Bob” Glenn Gunby, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at E.W. & Lucille Cates Hospice House in Ocala, FL. He was born into this life on February 21, 1936 in Wrens, GA and was the son of the late Robert Glenn Gunby, Sr. and Ollie McGahee Gunby.

 He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Barbara Gunby, his sisters, Daphne Wilson and Jeanette Wren, and his grandchild, Christopher Caudle. 

He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Cato Gunby, at Walden’s Church in Stapleton, GA on July 23, 1956 shortly after she graduated from high school. Bob (“Glenn,” as he was known in high school) graduated from Wrens High School in 1954 and was voted “the most cutest boy.” He himself proclaimed to be the “most charming boy” of his senior class. 

Shortly after high school, Bob and a friend decided they were going to go to the local Navy Recruiter’s office and enlist so they could see the world. Bob walked into the office, only to see his friend running down the street away from the recruiter’s office. Bob did not hesitate; however, and signed up that very day. He received several awards and commendations during his 20 years of service in the United States Navy, including a Navy Achievement Medal and Citation while he was stationed aboard the Attack Carrier Coral Sea during the Vietnam war. He retired as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Senior Chief and from there went on to work at Grumman Aerospace (now Northrop Grumman) with the F-14 Fighter Jets.

 He continued to be deployed with the Navy in his position of Field Service Representative and retired from Grumman after his dedicated service of over 20 years. Bob was extremely proud to have served his country for over 40 years of his life and when he was selected to participate in the Honor Flight several years ago, he said that was one of the greatest honors of his life. 

 Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter in his younger days while stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington, as well as a prolific vegetable gardener. His family enjoyed many, many years of his fresh vegetables and peppers. He enjoyed golfing and when he retired and moved to Dunnellon, FL with his wife, Barbara, he established a golf group called the “Chitlins”. His love of the game and the friends he made from this group established some of the best bonds and ongoing social get-togethers that were legendary. He even contributed to the local paper about the Chitlins’ golf games and ongoing events related to them.

Bob and his wife travelled the world through his service with the military and continued to enjoy traveling long after his retirement. He loved his wife, his family, his friends and his country.

Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Susan Caudle, his son, Steven Gunby, his four grandchildren: Matthew Caudle (Amy), Timothy Caudle (Somer), Natalie Caudle (Seann), and Casey Gunby, and his three great-grandchildren: Sophie Caudle, Kaden Gunby and Quinn Gunby.

Bob’s Memorial service will be held at the First Methodist Church in Dunnellon, FL at a later date.