Joe Lee Gunnels

September 8, 1957 - July 27, 2025 Joe Lee Gunnels, 67 of Milano, Texas, was the second child of Billie & David Gunnels Sr. He passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in San Antonie, Texas. Born on September 8, 1957, in Cameron, Texas, Joe was raised in the close-knit community of Milano, where he joined Goodwill Baptist Church at an early age. He developed a lifelong appreciation for family, hard work, and small-town values. He had a kind heart, quiet strength, genuine smile, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. Joe attended Milano schools where he was known for his outstanding sports performance in football, basketball & track. He attended Prairie View A&M for three years, and shortly after he worked as a truck driver for Haliburton. After many years of work in the oil field, he worked he went to work for Wal Mart where he stayed until his health deteriorated. Joe enjoyed playing dominoes, road trips with his family, and teasing his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Billie & David Gunnels Sr., brother, Danny Glen Gunnels, sisters, Connie Ann Gunnels, Pamela Melton, Peggy Ruth Gunnels, and Ernestine Wright, brother-in-law Richard Melton, sister-in-law Beverly Gunnels and Harold Wayne Moore. He is survived by his Uncle Clarence (Cecil) of Houston; Uncle Wille Gunnels of Dallas; Aunt Joyce Green of Dallas; sister Debra Gunnels of Milano; brother David Gunnels, Jr of Milano; 7 nieces and nephews David L. Gunnels, DaNeal Gunnels, Brandon Moore, Rebekah Melton, Christopher Gunnels, Mary Arrington, Jordan Melton; 12 great nieces and nephews; and a host of other relative and friends who will remember his as a loving bother, uncle, and steadfast friend. He also leaves behind a very close friend, Lorrie Miller of Cameron, who will miss him dearly. Joe's legacy lives on in the memories shared by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his gentle spirit. A memorial service will be held by the family on August 2, 2025 at Phillips & Luckey funeral Home at 11am with visitation an hour prior to the service.