Former Florida Congressman, State Treasurer and Insurance Commisioner Bill Gunter died on Monday. One of those who knew him best was another former member of congress, Tallahassee's Al Lawson.
"I was always real close to him and to learn of his passing was something I've been thinking about. Just a tremendous individual who would make you want to do what's right and to fight for people who are less fortunate."
Lawson served in the Florida Legislature during the time Gunter was the state treasurer and insurance commissioner. And Lawson said, after his election to congress in 2016, he regularly heard from Gunter, who was in congress himself between 1973 and 1975.
"I tell you, we have just lost a giant! And hopefully all of us can continue to build on it (his legacy.) He always stayed involved. It was nothing for me to receive a call from him saying, 'How are things going up there?'"
Gunter, who'd been in home hospice care, died Monday afternoon at the age of 89. Tallahassee's Bevis Funeral Home is handling the funeral and memorial arrangements.
