Graddy Tunnell (Plainview)

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Graddy Tunnell, 94, of Plainview, passed away on May 21, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jacob West officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview.

Mr. Tunnell was born on May 1, 1928 in Quitaque, Briscoe County, Texas to Ernest Benton and Maizine Graddy Tunnell. He graduated from Junior college at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell in 1946, Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948, and Law school at Baylor University with degree of Juris Doctor in 1950. He served two years as Judge Advocate officer in the United States Air Force. Graddy practiced civil law in Plainview, Texas and was a name member of the law firm of LaFont, Tunnell, Formby, LaFont & Hamilton, L.L.P. for 60 years. Through the years he served on numerous committees including: the Executive committee and past member of the Board of Trustees of the High Plains Research Foundation, Board of Directors for Texas Tech University Foundation-Finance and Investment Committee, Texas Tech University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources- Dean’s Advisory Committee, Texas A & M University System Long Range Planning Committee in Project 2000, Chair of the Executive Committee, Texas Agricultural and Natural Resources summit Initiative in 2000-2002. He was also chairman and member of several different boards and clubs including; Board of Trustees of Wayland Baptist University, Plainview/ Hale County Industrial Foundation, Inc., Plainview Chamber of Commerce, President of Kiwanis Club of Plainview, supporter of Plainview YMCA, Life Fellow of Texas Bar Foundation, Plainview Country Club, past Director of Hale County State Bank, and the Advisory Board for Methodist Hospital Systems Lubbock. Mr. Tunnell was awarded the Plainview Man of the Year in 1992, The Gerald W. Thomas Award for Outstanding Agriculturist in 2002 by Texas Tech University, National Honorary Extension Fraternity, Inc, Epsilon Sigma Phi Service Award in 1993. Graddy owned a farm and had been actively engaged in farming operations in Hale County for the past 60 years. He was a member and Deacon of First Baptist Church.

On November 28, 1950, he married Gloria Blackburn in Dallas. They were marred 54 years before her death in 2005. He married Sherry Hoover in 2007 and was married 13 years at the time of her death.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Maizine Tunnell; brothers, E.B. Tunnell, Jr., Kenneth Tunnell and his wives.

Survivors include his children, Richard Lynn Tunnell and wife Anne Elizabeth; Jeffrey Dee Tunnell and wife Marijo; Lindsey Graddy Tunnell and wife Susan Janette; six grandchildren, Christopher Lynn Tunnell, Annelise Huadou Tunnell, Sara Elizabeth (Cheston) Goudge, Natalie Claire Tunnell, Keland Walker Tunnell and Brennan Kayde Tunnell, two great granddaughters Birdie Claire Goudge and Mary Frances Goudge and special niece, Laura Tunnell Glass.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 205 W. 8^th St. Plainview, Texas 79072.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lara and Sandra for Graddy’s exceptional medical care. Additionally, the family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary attention and concern from Shea and the staff at Beehive Homes, as well as, Traditions Hospice.