Jimmy Lee Gaunce

Jimmy Lee Gaunce, 88, husband of Ann Gaunce, passed peacefully on August 22, 2025 at the VA Community Living Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Jimmy was born in Stamping Ground, Kentucky and graduated from Midway High School where he played basketball. Following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.  He courageously served his country for four years by working in the missile defense program at nearby Hurlburt Field. Upon returning to Kentucky, he began his career at Midway Auto Service in Midway, Kentucky.  He worked under Steve Creech for a number of years, until he became the owner himself.  Midway residents enjoyed the convenience of auto pickup and delivery for repairs, along with a gathering place for the community for over 40 years. When he was not working, he enjoyed fishing, car racing, sports (especially UK basketball), traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Jimmy was a member and regular attendee of the Forks of the Elkhorn Baptist Church where he enjoyed many years of fellowship.  

In addition to his loving wife of 40 years, Ann, those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Susan Gaunce Godman (Lee), Versailles; his stepsons, Wayne Spalding, Del Ray Beach, FL, and Brent Spalding (Windy), Versailles; his son-in-law, Landon Caldwell, IN; his sisters, Nancy  Coleman (Larry) and Connie Adams, both of Lawrenceburg; his grandchildren, Alexis Caldwell, IN,  Dane Caldwell, IN, Drake Godman, Versailles, Brooke Godman, Versailles, Karter Godman, Versailles, Eric Spalding (Cassie), Lexington, Samatha Burton (Bryce), Lexington, and Taylor Kear (Evan), Lexington; and his great grandson, Emmett Burton.  

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara Bell Gaunce; his daughter, Janet Gaunce Caldwell; his sisters, Thelma Beeler and Martha Hines; and his brothers, Gene Gaunce, Billy Gaunce, and Larry Gaunce.  

Funeral Service will be held at Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00am with Pastor Todd Lester officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Serving as casketbearers will be Lee Godman, Drake Godman, Wayne Spalding, Brent Spalding, Eric Spalding, and Dane Caldwell. Honorary casketbearers will be Bobby Allison, Kenneth Watkins, Joe Clark, Ken Setser, Randy Brackett, and Danny Smith. Visitation will be held from 9:00am until the time of service on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lexington VA Health Care System.