Nicholas Gunn

Nicholas Brandon Gunn, 36, of Gulf Shores, passed away June 29, 2021 at the family home. He is mourned by his loving and devastated family. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a dual degree in history and philosophy. He was a member of the Philosophy Club and Honor Society Phi Alpha Theta. This was the beginning stages of his lifelong journey of adventure and the seeking of absolute truth and knowledge within the world. He continued his studies at the University of South Alabama where he earned a master's degree in teaching history, following in his mother's footsteps. He then joined the Peace Corps and moved overseas where he taught children in countries with a fraction of the resources he was accustomed to, which is a testament to his character in itself. After the Peace Corps, he made a career in teaching in International Schools in various countries.
Brandon was greatly admired by his family for his ability to travel into foreign places without hesitation. He visited as well as lived in more places in the world than his entire existing family tree combined. He never experienced fear in his travels, but rather saw it as an opportunity to explore the potential of human life through new, daring experiences and exciting adventures. Being a philosopher at heart, his purpose of life reflected the statements of Plato, which was that "the meaning of life is the pursuit of knowledge." And he knew that in order to find that, he had to venture out.
His family were all sad to see him go when he left the U.S. at the beginning of his travels, but all had solace in knowing that it was what he was meant to do. These feelings can best be described within a movie quote which happened to be one of his favorites: "Some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone."
Although his feathers were indeed bright, he still made time to stay in touch with family. Then one day, he came home to them. Between schooling his younger brother on how to bench press, helping his sister with high school papers and shared walking trails, discussing political and philosophical topics with his mother, or helping tend to the farm with his grandparents, all members of the family were ecstatic to have him back.
Brandon impacted the lives of his family as well as so many individuals across the entire world, and that is a feat of great admiration. The spirit and memory of him will live on through his friends, family, students, and everyone else he has touched in a positive way. He has flown away, departing this world, but he will be remembered forever for his bright feathers.
He is survived by his son, Jim Gunn named for his respected and beloved Grandfather Jimmy; mother, Rhonda Goldman Gunn; father Glenn Gunn; brother, Logan Gunn; sister, Tailey Gunn; maternal grandparents, Jimmy and Pat Goldman; maternal uncle, Randall (Lindsey) Goldman; paternal grandparents, Marvin and Barbara Gunn; paternal uncle, Mike (Michele) Gunn and numerous other relatives and friends.
A private family service will be conducted.
Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.