Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 28, 2024

Tim Gunderman, aka Poppa Gundy, Mr. Wonderful, Grandpa Grumpy died on April 28, 2024. Timothy “Tim” Lee Gunderman lived his life larger than most people could ever imagine for 76 years. Born in Waynesburg, PA, Tim lived throughout the Northeast, retired to Bonita Springs, Florida but called Charlotte, NC his home. For 47 years he was married to the love of his life, Kathleen Hessert Gunderman.

In 1970, six weeks after graduating from the University of Dayton, Tim was in Parris Island for Marine Corps basic training. Much of his active then reserve duty was spent as a tank commander, training allies in the use of the M48 Patton tank.

His early professional career began in upstate New York where he was in shopping mall development. His entrepreneurial streak led him and Kathleen from there to SC in 1980 where he launched a company to develop and manage low- and moderate-income housing.

Tim’s example taught everyone who met him the essence of “unconditional love” and kindness. But he didn’t stop there. Tim firmly believed that giving his time, talent and treasure was just the beginning. As a couple, they intentionally taught their children and others to deliberately act to make a difference in the world, even if only one person at a time. He was a proud Catholic Knight of Malta, making a commitment to spiritual development through personal service and sacrifice. The “order” focuses on caring for the poor and sick. Over his many years serving the communities he loved, he fervently got behind the Missionaries of Charity and the Vietnamese community of Charlotte. Tim served on the board of Holy Angels, a non-profit providing high-quality living and support services to those with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions. Additionally, he was passionate about helping street children in Honduras through the Micah Project, and throughout COVID was incredibly involved with Catholic Charities renovating housing and supporting feeding programs for migrant camps in South Florida. As a result of his endless work with Catholic Charities, Tim was one of four finalists for National Volunteer of the Year. All this, on top of his pride and passion for the work of The Foundation For Tomorrow (TFFT) and its commitment to provide access to education for orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania.      

Beyond service to others, Tim loved traveling, fishing, diving, smoking cigars and telling long, involved stories that rarely ever got to the point. He never met a stranger and always had a way of captivating the room and making people smile.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen and two children, Christopher Gunderman and wife, Kassen, and Meghann Sehorn and husband Jason. He had six grandchildren; Finley, Avery, Emery, Everett, Patricia and Sage. He was brother to Bernadette Becker, Mark Gunderman and Mary Williams and a multitude of extended family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who he cherished deeply.

The Family will celebrate his life with a Mass at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow at Quail Hollow Club.  The service will be livestreamed at https://stgabrielchurch.org/livefunerals.

In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Tim through a contribution to the nonprofit closest to his heart, The Foundation For Tomorrow. Gifts may be made online at www.thefoundationfortomorrow.org/tim-gunderman/, or by mail: The Foundation For Tomorrow, P.O. Box 470836, Charlotte, NC 28247.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.