Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

Many of Chase Gunter’s most cherished memories include his grandparents. Afternoons spent in the woodshop assisting his Papaw as he worked to master his craft. Holidays in the kitchen with his Nana, helping her prepare family meals and taste-testing her famous egg custard. 

Chase’s grandparents taught him many lessons in his formative years, but one of the most long standing of those lessons came from losing them.

He was just seven when he lost his Papaw, and 17 when he lost his Nana. Through experiencing each of these losses, even at such young ages, Chase realized the importance of hands-on care that positively impacts quality of life, and he made it his mission to be a provider of that care.

“I always knew it was essentially my purpose in life to help others, but I didn’t always know how that would be,” Chase says. “Enduring the loss of my grandparents, seeing them in those vulnerable states where they were most in need of care and compassion really set me on the path toward where I am today.”

The path of which Chase speaks spans 13 years, and through several college campuses. After graduating from Walker High School in 2008, Chase earned his Registered Nurse (RN) degree from Bevill State Community College, his Bachelor’s in Nursing from Jacksonville State University, his Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of South Alabama, and, most recently, his Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Alabama. 

All that education has supported his ability to work as the Nurse Practitioner for Jasper’s Ridgeview and Ridgewood nursing homes over the last six years. In this role, Chase serves as the primary care provider for all long-term residents of the nursing facilities, as well as those who are there for post-acute rehab following injuries and procedures. Working at these nursing facilities led Chase to a new opportunity last year that would further advance his passion for caring for others in crucial times. 

“In addition to being the primary care provider at Ridgeview and Ridgewood, I am also part owner of Southeast Hospice,” Chase says. “Last year, the owners of the nursing facilities and I had a chance to purchase the business, and we relocated the main office to downtown Jasper. It has been a blessing to be able to not only care for patients in the nursing homes, but also out in our home community.”

While Chase’s role with Southeast Hospice is not as hands-on as his role in the nursing homes, it is still consistent with his purpose of caring for others. He knows firsthand that compassion is essential for both the patient and their family, and he prides himself in knowing his business provides that care.

“Contrary to common belief, hospice care doesn’t always mean a quick passing. Many people are actually able to come off of it, but most people do receive hospice care to allow them to live out their final days in peace and comfort,” Chase says. “Regardless of the situation, illnesses are challenging, and when a family comes to you and tells you how much you helped them in their time of need, that’s affirmation that we’re doing right with this business.”

Chase notes that, while he made the decision to follow the path leading him to where he is, he knows that his path was one intended by God, and that without Him, his successes in his career and blessings in personal life would not be possible.

“I’m blessed with wonderful parents, an amazing and supportive wife, and a precious son that all uphold me in my purpose, and I live out that purpose every day in my work,” Chase says. “I’ve always relied on God to direct me in life, and He has never been wrong. The glory is His.” 78