05/03/2017
It is with a sad heart that we say farewell to fellow Ruritan Bill Hunt. You will be missed.
William “Bill” Franklin Hunt, 99, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2017. Bill was born in Davidson County, NC on November 21, 1917, to the late George William and Myrtle Farabee Hunt. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Blaylock, Geneva Leonard, Louise Hartley and Marjorie Michael; brothers, Gene, Hoyle, Buford and Henry Hunt; and son-in-law, Kenton Roy “Dink” Kellum, Jr.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of over 53 years, Rachel H. Hunt; sons, Robert Hunt(Doris), Roger Hunt(Sharon); daughters, Irene Richburg, Lounet Hunt; step-sons, Lynn Wood(Linda), Perry Wood; step-daughters, Linda Hewitt(Tommy), Annette Kellum; seven grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and six step-great grandchildren.
He attended Messiah United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, where he was a charter member, served as trustee, and was the oldest member. He loved Messiah UMC and was proud to be part of the congregation. A few years after graduating from Reeds High School, located in Davidson County, NC, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. Throughout his Navy career, he served aboard four different aircraft carriers during the war times of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. After a career of thirty years of serving his country, he retired from the Navy. Shortly after his retirement, he decided to go back to work for Chesapeake Public Schools, as a custodian at Great Bridge Elementary School. After working several years, he finally retired for the last time. He was a member of the Great Bridge Ruritan Club, Ruritan Forever Member and a member of the Great Bridge Masonic Lodge. Bill enjoyed the fellowship of each of these organizations and supported them throughout the years. Bill was a loving husband, father, step-father, grandfather, step-grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved people visiting him and kept them entertained with his sense of humor. He had a small farm in Chesapeake that brought him many hours of enjoyment. He loved animals and took great pride in raising various animals on his farm. Traveling all over the United States with his wife, Rachel was such a pleasure for him. One of the most exciting and interesting trips they made was driving to Alaska. He bought a new van to drive on the trip, but the van was delayed in arriving to the dealership several times. Finally, the van arrived. Bill picked up the van that same evening and he and Rachel left the next morning to begin their trip to Alaska; which also included visiting Kodiak Island. Bill lived a good life and loved his family. His kindness and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm, on Thursday, May 4, at Messiah United Methodist Church. Prior to the service, a military veteran burial will take place at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Messiah United Methodist Church, 408 Dominion Commons Way, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
