Polly Philpot Gunby peacefully passed away on May 17th, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born in Fort Myers, Florida, on October 7th, 1931, to Mary Frances and Edward Nash Philpot. In 1943, her family moved to DeLand when her father was appointed the minister at Trinity Methodist Church.

Polly graduated from DeLand High School in 1949 and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alabama in 1953. That same year, she married the love of her life, Ensign David Kirk Gunby III. Soon after they exchanged vows, the Navy stationed them in California. After completing active duty, they moved to New York where David worked for Hanover Bank. After three years, they returned to DeLand for David to join his father at the investment firm of A.M. Kidder & Company. From that point on, DeLand remained Polly’s cherished home and the center of her life. She loved DeLand and thought it was the greatest place to live.

She was a member of the Junior Service League (President), Junior Service League Sustainers, Camellia Garden Circle, Lake Beresford Yacht Club, and Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild and the Saint Clair‘s Guild. She and David were charter members of the DeLand Country Club, and she was a charter member of the Krewe of Amalee. She adored her family and cherished her time with each one of them. She is survived by her devoted son David Kirk Gunby IV and his cherished wife, Megan Welch Gunby, along with two beloved grandchildren David Kirk Gunby V, and Lillian (Lilly) Elizabeth Gunby.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church on May 28th at 4:00 p.m., with interment to follow at Oakdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church. Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home is in charge