After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Rory Gunther left this world and went into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 while at Harris Regional Hospital’s Hospice Care program.
Gunther was born in Milwaukee, Wisc. on Aug. 22, 1953. He was one of six male siblings and was the son of Ross Richard Gunther and Audrey Helen Schmeichel Gunther. Early in his up-bringing, his interest and desire to perform music was apparent. He took up playing the trombone as soon as his arms could hold one. Throughout his school years, he participated in everything from marching band to school orchestra and was eventually honored by being chosen for membership in the Continental Youth Band and performed nationwide.
Following his formative school years, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he majored in music. From there, he played professionally in various blues and jazz bands throughout the midwestern and southern United States. While in North Carolina and writing music, he met and married Sandra Kay Locust, his wife of over 20 years. Sadly, Sandra preceded him in death in July 2016.
Being a dedicated and devoted husband, Rory no longer traveled that “lonesome highway” of road musicians but did perform locally with such groups as the Eastern Blue Band and most recently the Will Hayes Band. He was also very active with the praise and worship team of Christ Fellowship Church and held employment at Harrah’s Cherokee and Con-met in Bryson City.
Gunther is survived by his mother, Audrey Gunther; brothers, Kim, Rick and Guy Gunther, all of the Milwaukee area, and Lyn Gunther of the Springfield area of Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive as well as his step-daughter, Victoria Cook Duncanson of Lithia Springs, Ga.
A memorial and celebration of life event will be held at Christ Fellowship Church some time after the New Year. Day, date, and time will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the music department of Christ Fellowship Church, PO Box 653, Cherokee, NC 28719.
Long House Funeral Home assisted the Gunther Family.