Mr. John Riley Gunnels

John Riley Gunnels of Mobile, AL passed away on July 9, 2025. John suffered a catastrophic stroke on June 30 and spent nine days in the neuroscience ICU at USA Health University Hospital before he passed. He was 60 years old. John was born on July 18, 1964 in Fort Meyers, Florida. He spent his early childhood in Crestview, Florida, but he spent most of his youth in Hillsboro, Oregon. John attended both Hillsboro and Glencoe High Schools, and he excelled in wrestling and bodybuilding. After high school, John served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Moosbrugger. Shortly after his time in the Navy, he relocated to Mobile, Alabama. By trade, John was an automotive mechanic. While he worked in several shops and briefly taught auto mechanics to high school students, he was best known for his work at A-1 Auto Repair, a shop he owned and operated for many years in Tillman’s Corner. John was a fixture in his community and was always running into someone he knew. He often had to shop at a different WalMart if he needed to get his shopping done in a timely manner. John loved cars and he loved going fast. Whether he was in a car, on a motorcycle or on a jet ski, he was always in sport mode. John loved animals and he never passed by a dog without stopping to pet it and talk with the dog or its owner. He loved people and would always stop to help anyone who needed it. He loved working out at the gym. He loved his family and enjoyed being a “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren. John was funny, quiet and kind. He brought joy to everyone who knew him; he was a friend to all. He was a strong man with a soft heart, and everyone who met him was better for it. John loved the Lord and attended Creekwood Church of Christ in Mobile, AL. Although his death leaves a tremendous hole in our lives, we find comfort knowing that John is safely home with Jesus and that we will see him again. John is preceded in death by his wife Nancy and his father Shirley. He is survived by his brother Doug (Lisa) of Bothell, WA; his sister Connie (AC) of Naples, FL; his son Charles (Alex) of Meridian, MS; his mother Betty of Theodore, AL; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date, and details will be announced.

Mr. John Riley Gunnels

July 18, 1964 - July 9, 2025