Archie Gunn, Jr.
Archie Calvin Gunn, Jr. was born on August 27, 1957, in Farmville, VA to Archie Calvin Gunn, Sr. and Ethel Studer Gunn. He grew up in Crewe, VA where his family attended Northside Gospel Chapel of Victoria, VA. He graduated from Nottoway High School and then from Longwood College with a major in Chemistry. During his college years he was a faithful “sessionite” and counselor at Aletheia Springs Christian Education Center in Ferrum, VA. He also served at His Mansion Ministries in Deering, New Hampshire.
Archie taught high school Physics and Chemistry for 18 years; 3 years at Nottoway High School (VA) and 15 years at Wake Christian Academy (Raleigh, NC). He was an active member of Faith Bible Fellowship during this time.
While teaching at WCA, he met his future wife, Laura Stikeleather, who was also a teacher there. They were married on June 26, 1993, at Cary Alliance Church. Together they were blessed with six wonderful children. Archie has been a faithful member of Cary Alliance Church for 32 years, serving as an elder, small group leader and an Awanas leader.
Archie’s other employment included one year at TransWorld Radio, fifteen years as a contractor at IBM, seven years as an administrative assistant for Child Evangelism Fellowship of NC, and two years at Food Lion.
Archie was a follower of Jesus, having received Him as Savior at eleven years of age. He desired to live for Him throughout his life. He was a loving husband and father who was very proud of his children. He was a quiet man, known for his gentle spirit. He loved the outdoors, spending time gardening, mowing and splitting wood. He was a leader in Scouts, as his sons were involved in a local troop. He was also instrumental in getting his older children involved in the NC Jr. Rifle Shooting program in Creedmoor, NC. He helped both of his sons start a mowing business in the neighborhood.
His favorite things were family vacations at Lake Gaston, long walks with his wife, hikes in the woods, playing with his children, computer games, roaring fires in the woodstove, pumpkin pie, Brunswick stew, giving Christmas gifts, reading books of all kinds, singing bass, playing guitar, and family movie nights.
Archie loved his family and His Savior. He is now completely well in his forever home. He will be greatly missed. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
He is predeceased by his father, Archie C. Gunn, Sr.; and nephew, Nicolas J. Stikeleather. He is survived by his wife, Laura; children, Samuel (27) of Lynchburg, VA, Lydia Gunn Johnson (25) (Enoch) of Chicago, IL, Bethany (23) of Houston, TX, Elijah (18), Rebekah (17), and Susanna (15). He is also survived by his mother, Ethel Martin of Cary, NC; sister, Jeanette Boyle (Chris) of Rapid City, SD; and two nephews, Justin Boyle (Jennifer) of Washington, DC and Patrick Boyle (Laura) of Deer Park, WI. Dearly loved in-laws include Larry and Ruth Ann Stikeleather of Raleigh, NC; Jeff and Carolyn Stikeleather of Cary, NC; and nephews Ryan, Matthew (Beth) and Nathan Stikeleather.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cary Alliance Church, 4108 Ten Ten Road, Apex. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Some ministries that were close to Archie’s heart were Aletheia Springs Christian Education Center, Cary Alliance Deacon’s Fund, His Mansion Ministries and Child Evangelism Fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Archie Gunn Memorial Fund at https://onrealm.org/CaryAlliance/-/form/give/now. Funds will be distributed accordingly.