Lexington County’s Register of Deeds retiring at year’s end

The head of Lexington County’s office that records property deeds and other property information is retiring at the end of the year after 20 years.

Debra Gunter, whose title is Register of Deeds, has served in the post since Jan. 1, 1997 and completes her fifth term in the elective office, the county said Thursday in announcing her retirment.

“I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received not only from the people of this county, but also from Lexington County Council and the county administrator,” Gunter said in a statement.

She will not seek a sixth, four-year term because she wants more time to herself and her family, she said in an interview. “I want to do what I want to do, now,” said Gunter, who will be 65 by year’s end. Lexington is among six counties that elects the head of the deeds office, which also files state and federal liens on property.

Gunter is most proud of technological advances in the office during her tenure.

“Making records available online and electronically recording documents saved people time and money,” she said in a statement. “Our technology moves reduced budget expenditures.”

Gunter has served on numerous professional boards and committees and is a member of the S.C. Association of Clerks of Court and Registers of Deeds. Gunter co-chairs the association’s legislative committee.

Gunter said she’s looking forward to traveling with her husband of 31 years, John, and serving in her church.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 2:32 PM with the headline "Lexington County’s Register of Deeds retiring at year’s end."