If you always do what you've always done, you'll always have what you've already got!

Born and raised in the beautiful Victorian Village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas located in the northwest corner of the state, in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. My parents, Lannis and Edna Gunnels, were kind, hard-working, Christian folks. They were great examples of parents and spouses. I remember going into their bedroom one night, at the old farmhouse I grew up in (and later bought from my parents), and telling them that "some day I hope I will be as good of a parent as you guys are!" I honored my parents then, and I honor them now. Though they are both in Heaven now!

I loved my childhood, teenage years and most of my adult life. Like everyone else, I have had my share of bad times (usually due to bad decisions). But, overall, I have been very blessed, very healthy (great genes) and have enjoyed a certain level of business and financial success (for a high school graduate). I have met many famous people (and didn't care much for any of them), been to a lot of places in the US and only a few places in Mexico. Someday I hope to visit Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales...maybe even Italy. But, for now, since we mainly get to take vacation time in the winter, we go to Cozumel, MX. It has become our "Home Away From Home" we love the place and we love the people!

I am a musician. Actually, I am a guitarist. Which, to me, basically means I'm more than just a guitar "player". I love it. I need it. I have to do it. It's part of me. I am very blessed to have a collection of guitars that would be considered enviable, I guess. I have given away almost as many guitars as I currently have now. It's something I have been glad to do, when I feel prompted by the Almighty to do so! He rewards me with much more than I give. THAT is who He is! 

I love my kids and grandkids very much. I try to stay out of their business and let them live their lives and raise the grandkids as they think is best (our kids have been raised well, so they know what is REALLY best).

I enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass (brownies, as well call them) on the Kings River and the Buffalo River. I also enjoy fishing on Beaver Lake and Table Rock Lake, for largemouth bass and walleye. Except for the walleye, I almost always just "catch and release" after shooting the fish...with a camera!

My nickname is "Tour Man" but I spell it Tourman! It is a close race between being a tour man and a guitarist. But, the tour business is my calling and what the Good Lord Jesus and the Almighty Father God, chose for me to do and to reward me financially through. I started working as a local tour guide and bus driver in Eureka Springs in July of 1978. The same week my first daughter was born (July 15). Ten (10) years later I started my own tour business (1988) and just finished my 43rd year as a local tour guide and tour operator, and my 33rd year of being self-employed. That career could write a series of novels, with all the stories that could be told. www.joegunnelstours.com

www.eurekaspringstramtours.com

www.viptoursofbranson.com 

I am very happily married to the "Love of my Life", Laurie Ann, and have never been happier or had more in my life! BUT, none of that makes me want to stay here on this earth in its present condition for another minute, compared to being raptured by King Jesus, any day (or night) now. I really do believe that Heaven is unfathomably better than anything we can imagine...and I can imagine pretty well. So, as much as I enjoy my life, family and career, I am keeping my wick trimmed and I am watching for the soon-coming Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. You can think I am simple and/or foolish to believe if you want to. I am happy and excited anyway!

Best wishes and God bless!