WINNSBORO – Funeral services for Pete Gunnar Gustafson, age 80, of Winnsboro, S.C., will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at Greenbrier United Methodist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be at Pope Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 1 from 5-7 p.m.
Pete was born on May 17, 1934, in Green Cove Springs, Fla. He was the son of the late G.J. Pete Gustafson and the late Martha Grier Gustafson. He was a longtime member of Greenbrier United Methodist Church where he served for over 20 years as chairman of the administrative council and as teacher of the men’s Sunday school class.
Pete and his loving wife, Mildred Lyles Gustafson, were married on Oct. 3, 1959. They have one son Mark Gunnar Gustafson (Peggy Sue) of Elizabeth City, N.C., and a daughter Kay Gustafson Hensley (Guerry) of Winnsboro. Pete enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Richard Gunnar Hensley and Sybil Grier Hensley. He is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, cousins and brothers/sisters-in-law.
Pete proudly served with the U.S. 8th Army at Ascom City, Korea. He was a firm believer in education, graduating from Mt. Zion Institute and Newberry College. He served on the Board of Visitors at Columbia College.
Upon graduating from Newberry College, Pete spent 10 years in sales with McKesson & Robbins, Inc. He was then employed by the S.C. Farm Bureau as Director of Public Affairs. He spent 32 wonderful years working in the S.C. General Assembly as The Farm Bureau’s chief agricultural lobbyist. Pete was presented The Order of the Palmetto by Gov. David Beasley.
Pete was an avid reader, conversationalist and exercise enthusiast. He was a longtime member of the 7 AM Toastmasters Club of Columbia and was a first-place winner of the State Speaking Contest. Pete loved people and enjoyed being a part of numerous organizations, including The S.C. Railroad Museum, The National Association of Investors Corp., S.C. and Florida Farm Bureaus, Fairfield Co. Aeronautics Commission, Fairfield Co. Chamber of Commerce, Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Early Ford V8 Club and the American Philatelic Society.
Memorial gifts may be made to Greenbrier United Methodist Church, 681 Greenbrier Mossydale Road, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180.
Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Gustafson family.
Online condolences can be sent to the Gustafson family at www.popefuneralhomesc.com.