Roy “Pete” Gunter, 87, of Hardin, Texas, passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2026, in Liberty. He was born on May 18, 1939, in Batson, Texas, to the late Archie Neal Gunter and Ola Lee Doucette Gunter.
Pete was a man of unwavering faith, a devoted husband and father, and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. His life was a testament to his love for the Lord, his family, and his community. He faithfully served as a deacon for more than 50 years, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to his faith and to serving others.
Pete also dedicated more than four decades of his life to coaching football and teaching science. Through his years as an educator and coach, he touched countless lives, sharing not only his knowledge and love of the game but also the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and football field, leaving a lasting impression on the many students and athletes he mentored throughout the years. Outside of his work and church, Pete found great joy in the outdoors. He loved gardening and cultivating beautiful flowers, taking pride in keeping his yard immaculate
Above all, Pete treasured his family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will continue through the many lives he touched and the generations who will carry his memory forward.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Hallie JoAnn Gunter; his children, Randy Gunter and wife Jenny, and Kelley Cooper and partner Glenn; his grandchildren, Brian Gunter and wife Melanie, Cody Croft and girlfriend Melissa, Matthew Gunter and wife Rachel, Kadie Koen and husband Cameron, Kelsi Hilton and husband Caleb, Jonathan Gunter and wife Janiece, and Connor Cooper; and 12 great-grandchildren, who brought him much joy and pride.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Archie Neal Gunter and Ola Lee Doucette Gunter; his sister, LaGretha “Toopie” Yarbrough; and his great-grandchild, Kai Cameron Koen.
Serving as pallbearers in honor of Pete’s life and memory will be Brian Gunter, Cody Croft, Matthew Gunter, Jonathan Gunter, Connor Cooper, Cameron Koen, and Caleb Hilton.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Faith and Family Funeral Services. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, with Pastors Brian Gunter and Bill Fabriguze officiating. Burial will follow at Hardin Chapel Cemetery.
Pete’s life was one of faith, service, and love. Though he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, his legacy will live on in the family he cherished, the lives he influenced, and the countless memories he leaves behind.
Special thanks to Pete’s care givers during this last year: Lisa, Tina, LaDonna, Dianne and the rest of the staff at Magnolia Place and Gentiva Hospice.
For anyone who may wish to make a Memorial Contribution in lieu of flowers, please consider:
Coaches Outreach, a ministry that Pete supported for many years with a mission to reach coaches and their families. He especially appreciated their work toward supporting the marriages of coaches, who spend countless hours away from their families. He treasured handwritten thank you notes every summer from coaches and their spouses who were touched marriage retreats by marriage retreats sponsored by Coaches Outreach. Memorial contributions to Coaches Outreach may be directed to
Coaches Outreach
14140 Midway Road, Ste. 102
Dallas, TX 75244
Pete Gunter Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship fund has been established in Pete’s memory to assist students as they continue their education beyond high school. The scholarship will prioritize football offensive linemen in the south Liberty County schools where he spent most of his career: Liberty High School, Dayton High School, and Hardin High School. You may direct contributions to
Pete Gunter Memorial Scholarship
c/o First Liberty Bank
1900 San Houston
Liberty, Texas 77575
I remember coach Gunter from High School he was a man of faith and i still remember him today. I sorrow with the Gunter family for their loss. I pray for His loving comfort and peace toward the family and many friends now and into the future. God Bless the Gunter family.
My 9th grade science teacher, taught me the periodic table. Went to school and taught school with my dad. RIP to a great man
My high school football coach love you coach
I was a true honor to care for him during his last days!! Fly high!!
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Love you coach ♥️
u were a mentor to me in coaching and in Christian discipleship. Your families was loved by mine and it was a honor to call you and Joann and children close friends. You always encouraged me in my coaching and I could always come to you for advice in career and matters of faith, your lessons to me