Kenneth R. Gunnin

1946 - 2026

Kenneth R. Gunnin

September 9, 1946 - February 11, 2026

Kenneth R. Gunnin, "Ken" of Anderson, SC passed away peacefully in his sleep with his daughter by his side, at the Rainey Hospice House of the Upstate Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Clinton Gunnin "Charlie" and Sybil Spears Gunnin of Anderson, his brother Charles Clinton Gunnin Jr. "Chuck" of Myrtle Beach, and his wife Cynthia Hyman Gunnin "Cindy" of Marion, SC.

Ken leaves behind his daughter and son in law, Julie Gunnin Kopp & David Goodwin Kopp (Wynn) of Anderson, along with his 3 beautiful grandchildren, Annabeth, Keaton, and Camden Kopp, three first cousins: Judy Daniels, Penny Floyd and Linda Mitchell, all of Anderson, a great aunt, Inez Spears of Anderson, two nephews: Charles Clinton Gunnin III (Clint) of Summerville, and William Brice Hyman of Aiken, four nieces: Tammy Gunnin McCallister of Myrtle Beach, Paige Gunnin Benton of Bonneau, Carrie Layne Hyman and Raven Hyman Locklear, both of Myrtle Beach.

Ken was born and raised in Anderson, SC where he attended local public schools and stayed active alongside his big brother in football and baseball. He went to the Baptist College of Charleston, where he met the love of his life, served in the Marines as a Reserve and was married in 1970. He lived with his wife in Regency Park of Anderson, working as a plant manager at JP Stevens until 1985 when he moved to Marion, SC for a career change to advance his work in textiles.

Ken raised a daughter, Julie, and cared for his wife, while serving as VP and eventually CEO of Blumenthal Mills, Inc. He stayed active as an avid hunter and fisher and member of his local church, First United Methodist Marion, until moving back to Anderson with his daughter and son in law in 2023. Ken was a loyal friend, a man of great faith, and a joy to be around.

The role he took most seriously over this last decade of his life was "Papa." Ken was an excellent grandfather. He picked up kids from school daily, attended sporting events, and would often get caught sneaking the grands away for special "sersi" treats.

While in Anderson, Ken attended Concord Baptist Church faithfully with his family up until he got sick. He favored weekly lunches at Skin's Hotdog's and monthly breakfasts with his friends at Mama Penns. He could often be caught cruising the old mill village reminiscing about "the good ole days" when times were simpler.

A celebration of life was held Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at Concord Baptist Church of Anderson with Dr. Don Cox officiating, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall with the family until 2:00 pm.

A second service was held in Marion, SC, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Richardson Funeral Home. Burial followed at Palmetto Memorial Gardens, Marion, SC. The family received friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00-11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be sent to Haven of Rest Ministries Rescue Mission in Ken's memory. There are no words to accurately express the thankfulness due to Ken's friends and extended family members of Anderson, Marion, and surrounding cities and states for the prayers, food, fellowship and support shown over these last 2 months.

You can celebrate Ken today by hugging your kids and grandkids, sitting down with your family at the table for a shared meal together, or buying a Bible for someone who needs more understanding of God's word and the gracious gift Jesus offers to all who put their faith in him.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM