NATCHEZ — To many Natchez residents, Louis Vernon Gunning was a man of extraordinary character.

The longtime Natchez Community Stewpot director, 84, died Friday at his residence after a long bout with stomach cancer.

“He was a kind, gentle man,” said Mary Gunning, his wife nearly 54 years. “He was always taking care of people who were in need.”

Mr. Gunning was the director of the Stewpot for 24 years, where he earned a reputation for being physically active, even during his illness.

“He would help at the Stewpot or deliver meals even when he was sick,” Mary said. “If there was a problem, he would take care of it.”

Mr. Gunning spent 46 years working for International Paper’s Natchez mill. When he retired, he saw the need at the Stewpot and brought his administrative skills to it.

He graduated from Natchez High School in 1949 and earned a chemical engineering degree at the University of Texas in 1954. Later, IP sent him to Georgia Tech to learn environmental engineering.

In 1954, the new college graduate returned to Natchez, went to see Gene Ellis, then head of IP’s Natchez mill, and took a job that Mr. Gunning knew he would have to abandon for a couple of years in the army, where he served two years during the Korean War.

Mary Hewell, one of Mr. Gunning’s four children, said her father contributed much to his hometown and family.

“The world lost a great, quiet man,” Hewell said, “He taught me not to judge others. He was the most intelligent man I ever knew.”

Adams County Board of Supervisors Darryl Grennell said Mr. Gunning was a true humanitarian to Natchez-Adams County.

“Mr. Gunning had a true, golden heart for helping people,” Grennell said. “His focus was to make sure no one would go hungry.”

Grennell said one of the strongest buildings in Natchez — once it is completed — would be named after Mr. Gunning.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors voted several months ago to name the new FEMA 361 storm shelter, which is currently under construction, after Mr. Gunning.

“I called him several months ago to inform him that the building was going to be named after him and he was really in tears,” Grennell said.

“We were planning a great ceremony with Gunning, but his health began to deteriorate in the last couple of weeks.”

The FEMA 361 shelter is designed to withstand the force of an EF5 tornado, which would help and protect area residents — a task Gunning did during his time at the Stewpot.

“I thought it would be appropriate to name the building after him,” Grennell said.

Longtime Stewpot volunteer Linda McMurtry said Mr. Gunning was the heart and soul of the Stewpot.

“Regardless of rain, sleet or snow — this was (Mr. Gunning’s) main interest,” McMurtry said.

“He wanted to serve those who were in need. He provided a great public service and he was a great serving man.”

Stewpot volunteer Ruthie Washington said she recently spoke with Mr. Gunning last fourth Sunday while working at the Stewpot — making his death unexpected.

“He would always let us know how much he appreciated what we did,” Washington said.

For now, Mary said Amanda Jeansonne would take over operations at the Stewpot.

“She knows how to get things done,” Mary said.

Memorial services for Gunning will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery in Fayette.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. Tuesday until time of service at the church.

Gunning was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and served as a substitute science teacher at Cathedral School. He was also a member of the St. Mary Basilica choir.