Willard "JR" Gouge

Willard “JR” Gouge, age 78, of Unicoi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at his residence while he was surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Unicoi and son of the late Willard Gouge, Sr. and Anna Mae Burgner Gouge.

JR owned and operated Jr Gouge Trucking Company for forty-two years. He was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church.

JR enjoyed riding his horses and motorcycles. He loved Rhododendron’s. JR had a bigger than life personality and he loved joking around with people. He will be greatly missed!

In addition to his parents, JR was preceded in death by three brothers: Leonard, Hoyt, and Butch Gouge; two sisters: Helen McInturff and Linda Hopson.

JR leaves behind to cherish many wonderful memories, his wife, Sandra Gouge; daughter, Boudi Olivia Dunlap (Casey); grandson, Logan Dunlap; two sisters: Judy Ray and Shirley Orr; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The Gouge family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Garry Edwards will officiate JR’s 1:00 p.m. funeral service. Music will be provided by Kristin Grant. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bart Ray, Chad Hopson, Rocky McInturff, Daniel Orr, Barney Orr, Michael Brackins, and Josh Daniels.  

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Gouge family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi is privileged to serve the Gouge family. (423) 743-1380

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willard "JR" Gouge, please visit our floral store.