Rhoderick “Rod” Whitehead Gunter, a cherished husband, father, brother, and grandfather, age 86 of Moorefield, WV, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2026, at the Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA.
Born on July 22, 1939, in Shipman, VA (Nelson County), he was the son of the late Edwin Glover Gunter and Lottie Ellen Proffit Gunter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dallas & Keith Gunter and two sisters, Linda Gunter and Barbara Peregory.
Rod’s early years were shaped by the hard work and values he learned growing up on his family’s farm, Red Apple Orchard. After graduating from Nelson County High School in 1957, he graduated from Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company’s Apprentice School in 1960 as a certified machinist. In 1965 he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (modern day Virginia Tech) as a Mechanical Engineer.
After completing college, he worked for companies in Blacksburg, VA, Oneonta, NY, Roanoke, VA, Christiansburg, VA before moving to Moorefield, WV in 1975 as Plant Engineer for Boise Cascade cabinet division (modern day American Woodmark). After serving as Plant Engineer for 33 years, he retired from American Woodmark in 2008.
Rod was passionate about family and community. His love for those around him shone brightly through his dedication to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 60, where he served as Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster, earning recognition as a two bead Wood Badge Scout. His pride in his sons—Rod and Jonathan—and grandson, Daniel, all of whom achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, was immeasurable.
He was a 50-year member of the Moorefield Lodge #29 A.F. & A.M.; was a founding member and served on the Hardy County PSD for 20+ years; was a member of the Moorefield Presbyterian Church where he served in the capacity as a Deacon, Elder, Trustee and member of numerous committees.
Surviving is his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Hinson Gunter; two sons, Rod (Denise) Gunter and Jonathan (Brandi) Gunter; five grandchildren, Daniel, Meredith, Owen, Sawyer & Avett; and a sister, Frances Lantz.
In honor of Rod’s extraordinary life, we will celebrate his spirit and legacy during a funeral service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Moorefield Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jim Yao officiant. Interment will follow at Olivet Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to come together to share their memories during a visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street.
Memorials may be directed to the BSA-Troop 60, P O Box 653, Moorefield, WV or to the Moorefield Presbyterian Church, P O Box 653, Moorefield, WV 26836. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of “Rod’s” extraordinary life, visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him.
