William B. Gunter

William Barrett Gunter (April 20, 1919 – August 17, 1986) was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia from 1972 to 1977. Early life, education, and military service Born in Commerce, Jackson County, Georgia, Gunter received his B.A. from the University of Georgia in 1940, and his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1942. United States District Court judge Robert Lee Russell then hired Gunter for a term as a law clerk. Gunter served in the United States Army during World War II, deploying with the 3rd Infantry Division in the European theatre, and attaining the rank of lieutenant. His service lasted until 1946, and Gunter was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Legal and political career Gunter practice law in Gainesville, Georgia, for 25 years, during which time he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives for three terms, from 1952 to 1958. In 1971, Gunter was named the Democratic National Committeeman for Georgia.