Ranza James "Jimmy" Gunnell Jr.

Ranza James “Jimmy” Gunnell Jr., 80, danced his way through the gates of Heaven on February 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jimmy fought a courageous battle after years of declining health. He was born on May 17, 1945, in Washington, D.C., to the late Ranza James Gunnell Sr. and Georgia Sue King Gunnell.

Jimmy completed his life’s work with a remarkable range of skills and accomplishments. He retired from the McLeansville Fire Department after 47 years of dedicated service, during which he was the department’s first paid firefighter and also served on the Board of Directors. He was licensed in plumbing and heating and air conditioning and was known for his ability to fix just about anything. His hobbies included working on race cars and champ carts, building model airplanes, and collecting G-scale trains. In his spare time, Jimmy could often be found helping his wife with her business, Lighting, Etc., in Gibsonville. A man of strong faith, he was a devoted member of Apple’s Chapel Christian Church, where he faithfully served on the Trustee Board.

Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, and Pawpaw who always placed his family above all else. He cherished watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and enjoyed simply being present in their everyday lives. He was a constant source of encouragement, always motivating them to achieve more and be their best. A decisive man, Jimmy never hesitated to share his thoughts on solving life’s challenges and even the problems of the world. He will be remembered as a well-respected, hardworking man, admired for his warmth, determination, and wonderful sense of humor. To his family, he will forever be cherished as a beloved and loving husband, father, Pawpaw, brother, uncle, cousin, and relative.

Those left to carry on his legacy include his wife of 54 years, Dolly Murrell Gunnell; his children, Randy Gunnell and wife Paula of McLeansville, Jeff Gunnell and wife Ashley, and Jennifer Brooks and husband Jason, both of Gibsonville; his grandchildren, Larry Gunnell (Shelby), Cody Campbell (Kimberly), Leah Gunnell, Cameron (Jordan) and Krista Gunnell, Caitlin (Cyle), Jase (Lilly), and Jacob (Alyssa) Brooks; his great grandchildren, Grayson and Makaila; his daughter-in-law, Deborah Gunnell; and his sisters-in-law, Donna Oakley (Cliff), Bonnie Murrell (Jodie), and Linda Morgan; numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved furry companions Scooter and Abby.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Gunnell; his brother, Joseph Morgan; and his brothers-in-law, Jerry Murrell, Kenneth Murrell, Larry Murrell, Bobby Murrell, and Jimmy Murrell.

A funeral service celebrating Jimmy’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Apple’s Chapel Christian Church, officiated by Pastor Dave Johnson and Reverend Allen Myers III. Burial will follow in the Apple’s Chapel Church Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service. At other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Jimmy’s daughter, located at 6401 Frieden Church Road, Gibsonville, NC 27249.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Apple’s Chapel Christian Church, 7345 NC 61 North, Gibsonville, NC 27249, and/or the McLeansville Fire Department, 5326 Frieden Church Road, McLeansville, NC 27301.