Patricia Lee Gunter

Patricia Lee Gunter, age 71 of Nashville, TN, passed away on November 6, 2023 after a short illness.

Pat was born in Oak Ridge, TN, on October 27, 1952, to Clarence and Margaret Gunter. She graduated from Ritenour High School in St. Louis, MO and completed degrees at both the University of Missouri Kansas City and University of Indiana in Bassoon Performance.

After graduate school, Pat moved to Nashville and auditioned for the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. She played bassoon and contrabassoon with the NSO for 22 years. She also taught bassoon at Belmont and Tennessee State Universities as well as privately. After leaving NSO, Pat continued to play with regional orchestras in Jackson, TN, Richmond, IN, Huntsville, AL and Bowling Green, KY. She was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 257, the Nashville Double Reed Ensemble and several local woodwind quintets. She was also a long-time member of the choir and congregation of East End United Methodist Church.

After an accident at age 28, Pat did not let a wheelchair stop her from living a rich and independent life filled with music, kindness, and love. Her love of music and teaching inspired many of her students to continue musical careers, and her loyalty and compassion created strong connections with lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother William Lee Gunter. She is survived by her husband of 43 years David Hall Criner, their two children and partners William Thomas (Kendra Higgins) Criner and Austin Gunter (Ana Siquiera) Criner; sisters Lauralee Gunter, Lee Anne Gunter, and Lee Ellen Gunter; in-laws George (Francie) Criner, Suzanne Criner, and Susan Gunter; and many beloved nieces & nephews and their children.

A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, November 18th at Calvary United Methodist Church, 3701 Hillsboro Pike from 12 noon to 1:30 pm followed by a service at 2 pm presided over by Rev. Brandon Baxter from EEUMC.

Donation in lieu of flowers can be made to… (suggestions include your personal favorite charity, EEUMC, Bonaparte’s Retreat, Alive, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital).

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.