J. Milton (Micky) Gunn

J. Milton (Micky) Gunn, 85, of Beebe, Arkansas, died on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. He is survived by two daughters, Kim Harington of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Michelle Welbourne of New Orleans, Louisiana. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Mickel McClish of Salem, Massachusetts and Justin O'Baugh, Eli Welbourne, Layla Welbourne and Jake Welbourne, all of Austin, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Gunn Sr. of Beebe, a sister, Elizabeth Ann Shuffield and his beloved wife and lifelong companion, Jacque Gunn. In his youth, Micky was an award-winning athlete, setting records in 1946-1948 and described as "the fastest swimmer in the South" by the Arkansas Gazette. At the time, he held more titles than any other swimmer in the state, was nominated for the highest award given in Arkansas to an athlete in any sport, the Neil Martin Victory Trophy and went on to captain the varsity swimming team at NSU in Nachitoches, La. He was a retired farmer and at the time of his death, still active in real estate. He enjoyed woodworking and was an accomplished boatbuilder. He sang and played guitar daily and wrote many original songs, including 'Riverman', which in 1991 won him the Arkansas Songwriter of the Year award. Micky Gunn will be missed and remembered dearly. In lieu of a formal funeral service, as per his wishes, his family and many friends will gather at a later date to celebrate his life. Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.