G. Gerald “Jerry” Kunes, 86, of Tifton died Thursday, June 16, 2011, at Tift Regional Medical Center. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Dr. Stephen Webb and Rev. Bruce Sack will officiate with burial to follow. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 18, 2011, prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Kunes was born on May 16, 1925 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He lived in Tifton for over 65 years, having married Sara Nelson “Jennie” Kunes on February 1, 1946. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie Kunes, and his son, Doug Kunes.
Mr. Kunes was a veteran of the United States Army; was a former Judge of the City Court of Tifton; Past President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Associaton; Past Exalted Ruler and Lifetime Member of the Tifton Elks Lodge; member of the Springhill Country Club; member of the First United Methodist Church in Tifton; member of the State Bar of Georgia; and various other legal associations. Mr. Kunes was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia on February 24, 1949, after studying at Stetson University and Mercer School of Law. Mr. Kunes actively practiced law in Tifton for almost 62 years.
Mr. Kunes is survived by a sister-in-law, Billie Nelson Puckett of Tifton; a son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Rhonda Kunes of Tifton; his grandchildren and their spouses, Nelson and Christy Kunes of Tifton, Patrick Kunes of Tifton, Amy and Stephen Tinsley of Savannah; his great-grandchildren, Mitchell Kunes, Davis Kunes, Landon Tinsley and Madison Tinsley; as well as special assistant and friend, Kathy Ball; and special caregiver, Patricia Pollard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Tifton, 107 West 12th Street, Tifton, GA 31794, where he enjoyed serving as an usher for many years; the American Leukemia Foundation, 115 Oak Street, Roswell, GA 30075-4565; or a charity of your choice.