The President

      Hollis Knight Peel is a third generation funeral director born and raised in Greenwood, MS.  He is married to the former Leslie Thomas and has two sons, Lawson and Hayden.  Hollis has been the beneficial recipient of experience from his father, William Charles Peel, Jr. and his grandfather, Hollis W. Knight, well respected funeral directors throughout the state of Mississippi.  The desire and willingness to provide the best in services and facilities has been a trait passed down and received.  Hollis received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi and an associate of applied science in funeral service technology from East Mississippi Community College.  Hollis finished first in his class in funeral service technology and was awarded student of the year.  Hollis holds a funeral service license from the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service that combines funeral directing and embalming.  He is a member of the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association.  Hollis also holds an insurance license to better help his personal involvement with pre-arrangements.  He and his family are members of First United Methodist Church.


Funeral Director

      Donald W. Harris is a licensed funeral director at Gunter & Peel.  His career and relationship began with the Gunter Funeral Home on the corner of College and 10th St.  Don served as Coroner of Lowndes County, an office he held for over 20 years.  He is recognized and respected as one of Lowndes County's long standing funeral professionals.  Don's time is primarily devoted to the professional responsibility that comes with serving the people of this area.




Funeral Director

      Carl M. "Buck" Hildreth is a licensed funeral director at Gunter & Peel.  Mr. Hildreth holds the distinction of being the senior funeral director on staff at Gunter & Peel, having started at Gunter Funeral Home in 1957.  He is a veteran of WWII and Korea and is retired from the Army National Guard.  Mr. Hildreth is a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus.  He is married to Neola McMinn Hildreth and they have two children, Ann & Jimmy.




Administrator

      Betty Kate Sanford is the office administrator at Gunter & Peel.  She is a native of Aberdeen, MS and has lived in Columbus since 1969.  Katie also is an at-need and pre-need family counselor.  Her insurance license and role as at-need family counselor provide needed experience when helping families make pre-arrangements.  Katie has recently completed a two year apprenticeship to become a licensed funeral director.  Her versatile funeral home skills have proven to be beneficial to her ability to serve the patrons of Gunter & Peel.  Katie has two sons, Brian and Wesley.




Head of Maintenance/Cemetery Specialist

      Earnest Dankins works as head of maintenance and cemetery specialist at Gunter & Peel.  A graduate of Lee High School, Earnest has worked at Gunter & Peel for over 15 years.  He has also received 4 years of education as a plumber and pipe fitter.  He is married to Noweta Bonner Dankins, and has two sons, Derrick and Tylance.  Earnest and his wife are former recipients of the Parents of the Year Award from Stokes Beard Elementary School.  His attention to detail with care helps to add reverence and dignity to funeral services at Gunter & Peel.




Pre-arrangement/Insurance Counselor

      Edna Dean Young is a licensed insurance agent and pre-arrangement counselor with Gunter & Peel.  A lifelong resident of the Woodlawn Community, Mrs. Young has worked at Gunter & Peel since 1971.  She is the senior member of the insurance sales staff.  Mrs. Young is a member of the Woodlawn Church of Christ and has three children, Tommy, Frankie, and Gloria.




Funeral Assistant

      Adrian Sanders is a funeral assistant at Gunter & Peel.  He is retired from the Army and Air Force Exchange System (AAFES).  Adrian is a resident of the Lone Oak Community and is a member of the Lone Oak Church of Christ, where he serves as an elder.  He is married to Lorene Wilson Sanders and they have two sons, Ricky and Randy.




Funeral Assistant

      Wayne Blankenship is a funeral assistant at Gunter & Peel.  He has worked for Sunflower Food Store for over 35 years.  Wayne is a member of the Central United Methodist Church and is married to Sue Parish Blankenship.




Organist

Myra A. McAdams is the primary organist at Gunter & Peel.  She is a graduate of the Mississippi University for Women with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education.  Mrs. McAdams taught private piano lessons for 14 years, and she currently serves as pianist and organist for Fairview Baptist Church, where she is also a member.  She is married to Leon McAdams and they have three daughters, Melissa, Allison, and Christy.