Bill R. Hunt was born on December 18, 1934 outside of Bunkie, Louisiana and died on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in Athens, Alabama. Bill, Dad, PawPaw thoroughly enjoyed 88 outstanding years on this glorious earth.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Grace DuPuis Hunt, his parents and four siblings. He is survived by his companion of the last nine years, Karen Wright Middleton, four children, Carl Hunt (Lacey), David Hunt (Leah), Carole Foret, and Claire Kayser (Tom). PawPaw loved his nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Damrich (Michael), Catherine Kenny (Stuart), Madeline Carlton (John), Armand Hunt (Kaitlyn), Caroline Foret Mathias (Luke), Sarah Foret, Sam Kayser, Olivia Kayser and Grace Kayser. PawPaw had a special love for his three great grandchildren also, Gigi Damrich, John Monroe Damrich and Ella Carlton.
Bill loved his family and was happiest when everyone gathered for a meal and visits; those times almost always included a story about his growing up in south Louisiana in the Haas family farming operations on Oak Hall and Shirley Plantations. The regular visits to south Louisiana over the last 60 years to see family were special as well and all of this became the basis for much of his later writing about the relationships among the families and people of his south Louisiana. Bill authored several books and short stories, having started writing at age 70.
Bill and his family operated Limestone Health Facility in Athens for 53 years along with several other ventures and developments. There have been so many touch points in the lives of so many local people that utilized those services and worked to provide those services. Bill was always appreciative of those customers and employees over those many years.
Bill and Grace raised their four children in Athens and grew to love Athens, Limestone County and Elk River. “Athens is a great place to raise a family” was an often-heard quote from Bill that ended with, “it’s really all about the people”. Bill loved the ‘locals’ and loved to hear stories about folks around Athens and the local history. Walking around The Square and visiting with folks became a regular event in his daily life after living downtown and working from his office on Marion Street. Walking and visiting while pushing a cart through one of the local Publix Markets became a daily ritual in the last few years.
Family was the real cornerstone and foundation of Bill’s life; he loved getting pictures of his grandkids on his phone. And family included the extended group of friends from his school days, military service and professional work.
Bill’s family and Karen would like to extend great appreciation to all of the community for their kind messages and thoughts about Bill and his life in this community. According to the specific instructions Bill left to his children, there will be no funeral or formal services. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the organization of their choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McConnellFuneral.com for the Hunt family.
