Alvin Eugene Gunnell

Alvin Eugene Gunnell, 91, of The Villages, Fla., formerly of Stuttgart, Ark., passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at his home. He was born Sept. 29, 1932, in Casscoe, the son of Andrew Jackson Gunnell and Ellen Grace Gean Gunnell. Alvin graduated from DeWitt High School, and received an associates degree from the University of Maryland.

Alvin was an active man and there is so much that can be said about him. He grew up in Casscoe, where he learned to love hunting and fishing. In his life, Al had many jobs, but only one career: Special Forces Green Beret, operating in Europe and Central America for 27 years. He fought in the Vietnam War and was a decorated combat medic.

When he retired, Alvin returned to Stuttgart where he worked as Director of Emergency Services at Stuttgart Memorial Hospital. He was a scuba diver, a panner of gold and he was Airborne. He was a painter, a sculptor, a singer, softball coach and skier. We called him Dad, Grandfather Sir, Brother, and Uncle AL.  He was so proud of his big family. His kind and generous heart will be missed by many.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Nancy Sparkes Gunnell; brothers, Billy Gunnell, Paul Gunnell and Charles Gunnell; and sisters, Mildred Mann and Dorothy Inman.

Survivors include daughters, Vivien Akins, Andrea Worlow and Suzanne Gunnell; grandchildren, Alex Haslett, Valerie Worlow, Steven Worlow; great-grandchild, Asher Weisen; brother, Larry Gunnell; sisters, Nancy Taylor, Betty Gean Eifling and Gladys Johansson; and step-grandchildren, Travis Sparks, Katelyn Sparks, Jordan Sparkes and Haley Sparks.

A graveside service with full military honors will be 2 p.m. Thursday, April 25 , at Shiloh Cemetery in Casscoe under the direction of Turpin Funeral Home of Stuttgart.

His family requests in lieu of flowers per Alvin’s request, memorials be made to support Shiloh Cemetery Fund, c/o F. Lee Hartz, 4115 Lockridge Rd. , Little rock, Ark. 72116.