Phil Gunter, PhD., 60, of Hahira, died on Sunday, May 20, 2012, at his home. Born on July 25, 1951, in McMinnville, Tenn. he was the son of Norma Phillips Gunter and the late Howard Gunter. A graduate of DeKalb County High School in Smithville, Tenn. he continued his education at Tennessee Technological University where he received his BS and Masters Degree in Health and Physical Education. He received his EdS in Special Education at West Georgia University and his PhD in Special Education at Peabody College, Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Gunter served as a classroom teacher of students with disabilities, a school principal, a director of special education services and a research scientist at the Kansas University. He was a noted scholar in the field of special education and emotional behavioral disorders. In 1993 he was Chair, Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders and from 2003 – 2009 was Dean, Dewar College of Education. In December of 2010, Dr. Gunter served as Provost, Valdosta State University and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Dr. Gunter loved music, the beach, hiking the Grand Canyon and all Valdosta State University Athletics and the Peachstate Summer Theatre.

Survivors are his wife, Karen of Hahira; his mother, Norma of Smithville, Tenn.; a sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Harold Rader of Murphreesboro, Tenn.; brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Kristen Gunter of Lakeland, Fla.; nieces and nephews, Danielle Gunter, Matt Gunter, Leah Orsbon, Monica Dickens, Alex Rader, Matthew Barnes and Rob Denny, god son; aunts and uncles, Mary Cantrell, Faye Walker, Jane Eller, Bill Phillips; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Aaron and Josephine Parten, and sister-in-law, Eleanor Parten.