Billie Gunter

Born in Nashville, TN on February 21, 1947

Departed on July 25, 2017 and resided in Nashville, TN

Mrs. Billie Sue Gunter, age 70 of Nashville, completed her courageous battle against lung disease on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Billie Sue was born February 21, 1947 in Nashville, and was an Overton High School Graduate. With her husband of 34 years, Buddy, they owned Gunter's Equipment Repair. Even as an owner she wasn't afraid to get right in with any of the workers and assist when needed.

"Mema", as her family called her, will be remembered for her remarkable life. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner and friend, but mostly she was a fighter, caregiver, organ-donation recipient and woman of strong faith! Throughout her life she made sure her children, and others around her, were cared for first.

In her final days and hours as visitors, doctors and nurses would enter her room, her greeting to them was, "How are you?" She simply desired that others were "okay."

When she was able, Mema loved family gatherings and holidays. She enjoyed providing the Easter Egg hunt for her grandchildren and decorating and cooking at Christmas. A time for family was a reason to celebrate!

In May, 2015, Billie Sue received her greatest blessing. As she struggled with lung disease, even gasping for every breath, she became one of seven people (referred to as the Magnificent 7) to receive the gift of life from a 17 year old young man, who had been killed by a drunk driver. Nick Townsend's life was taken from him, but the love of his family allowed him to live on in the lives of those seven, very special people, with Billie Sue being blessed by one of his lungs.

She loved Titan's football, providing activities for her children and grandchildren, sharing meals with friends and family, and simply being a blessing to others. Her character of faith, determination and love will be missed by those who knew her. Her story of faith and courage will carry on as a blessing to others for years to come.

Celebrating her life, and cherishing her memory, is her husband: Buddy; two daughters and sons-in-law: Tammy & Dennis Etheridge and Heather & Steven Johnson; parents: Bill & Betty Huggins; 8 grandchildren: Zack Wells, Hayden Flatt, Christopher Etheridge, Natalie Etheridge, Dustin Johnson, Paige (Brennen) Orrick, Abbey Johnson and Kali Daniel; siblings: Diane (Larry) Estes, Teresea (Dale) Colwell, Mike Huggins, Kay (Bob) Bauman, Linda Thomas and George Cherry; sister-in-law: Angel Gunter; brothers-in-law: Roger (Joyce) Gunter and Dwain (Wanda) Gunter. Additionally she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends who were family.

She was preceded in death by a brother: Jimmy Huggins.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Billie Sue's life on Friday, July 28 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Pavilion at Harpeth Hills. A brief time of prayer and reflection will be at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you simply consider registering as an organ donor, to possibly one day share the greatest gift of life with others. Your registration will not only honor Billie Sue's life, but the life of her donor, Nick Townsend, and the lives of others who have been donors. They would also like to thank the nurses, doctors and entire staff of Vanderbilt Lung Transplant Team, and VUMC for their incredible care and compassion.