FRANKLIN—Mr. Gurnie Lee Blunt of Gardner Street, Franklin, VA, quietly and peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 30 at 10:57 PM, at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Virginia. Gurnie was born in Southampton County on April 13, 1921. He was the son of the late George and Effaline Blunt of Branchville, Virginia.

Gurnie received his early education at Branchville Elementary School. At an early age, he accepted Christ at Rising Star Baptist Church and later joined Galilee Baptist Church, both located in Branchville, Virginia. When Gurnie left his home church, he joined First Baptist Church in Franklin, Virginia where he faithfully attended until his health began to decline. He loved his church dearly and dutifully served on the board of trustees and deacon board. All of which, he served with professionalism, enthusiasm, and candor.

Gurnie was truly an entrepreneur before his time. Prior to starting his own business, Gurnie protected and served his country during World War II. After an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army, he began working at a local service station earning one dollar a day. Gurnie quickly realized that “he wanted more”, so he began driving buses for a local company. Still not content because he knew his vision was even greater, Gurnie purchased a truck which he converted into a bus. He began transporting Franklin, Southampton County and surrounding residents to the Portsmouth Naval Ammunition Depot, Planters Nut and Chocolate Company and numerous locations throughout the Tidewater Area. It was at this point, that the vision for Franklin Bus Service came into view. At the eve of the Civil Rights Movement, he endured many roadblocks, however Gurnie never allowed his vision to die; he prevailed against Greyhound and Trailways for his rights to operate busses throughout this great USA. After obtaining his license, Gurnie, his sons and his courteous drivers transported people from across the Commonwealth on a Franklin Bus Service coach. Gurnie drove thousands of miles and many excursions across the United States. He and his drivers travelled as far west as California, as far north as Canada and countless trips to Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, Virginia Beach and New York City! In 1991, Gurnie retired from his beloved Franklin Bus Service, Inc. and enjoyed traveling and spending time with his wife, family and friends.

Gurnie was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Thelma F. Blunt; his parents, George and Effaline Blunt; three brothers Joseph, Lloyd, and Charles Blunt; four sisters, Jeanette Beale, Gussie Smith, Doretha Hayes, and Ruby Blunt; and one son, Terry Blunt. He leaves to cherish his memories six sons — Gurnie H. Blunt, Jr. (Cynthia) of Laurel, Maryland; Claude J. Knight (Theresa) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Roger E. Knight (Phyllis) of Lithonia, Georgia; Larry Blunt (Mechelle) of Courtland, Virginia; Ricky Blunt (Dorothy) of Courtland, Virginia; and Jerry Blunt, a very dutiful son and caregiver in the home. He leaves behind four daughters — Barbara Deloatch (James) of Jackson, North Carolina; Nora Blunt-Dove (Rufus) of Alexandria, Virginia; Dr. Annette B. Lettley, (Allen) of Hampton, Virginia; Claudette B. Mason (Alfred) of Lakeland, Tennessee. Gurnie also leaves behind three sisters’ in-law — Dorothy Turner of Hampton, Virginia; Geneva Boone of Suffolk, Virginia and Carrie Johnson (Clarence) of Suffolk, Virginia; and one devoted brother in-law — Jimmy Faulk (Francis) of Carrsville, Virginia.

He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a faithful caregiver, Mable Banks (Gary) of Southampton County, Virginia.

Gurnie was a man of unwavering faith. His last advice to his grandchildren was “no matter what, trust God.” He acknowledged that God never let him down and without God, “he never would have made it.” The Lord satisfied Gurnie with a long life. Our loss is Heaven’s gain! Gurnie will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved him.

Gurnie: daddy, granddaddy, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend – you are now home, so rest in peace. We will see you again when we are called home to glory one day.

The wake will be held on Friday, April 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Fellowship Around the Word Church, 101 North High Street, Franklin, VA. Dr. Peggy Scott is pastor. A homegoing service for Gurnie will be on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 12 noon at First Baptist Church, 318 Hall Street, Franklin, Va. with Reverend Henry Blunt delivering the message of comfort. Reverend D. Shawrod Riddick is pastor. The committal and benediction will be held in Southview Cemetery. A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, 224 South Main Street, Franklin, VA. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com