Surrounded by family, loving husband and father Eugene M. Hunt II (Gene) was called home on 10 June
2024 at his home in Wellington, Alabama following a hard-fought battle with cancer. Gene lived a
remarkable life across the country, and around the world, full of adventure, selflessness, and family. Born
in Circleville, Ohio in June 1960 Gene enjoyed his childhood living in the home of the world-famous
Circleville Pumpkin Show. He left there with his family to enjoy life as an overseas Air Force Brat in
Germany and England before returning home to Circleville to graduate from Logan Elm High School.
Upon graduation, Gene left Ohio eager to serve his country in the United States Army. While in technical
training at Fort Devins Massachusetts, he met and married the mother of his three older children.
Following technical qualification, Gene served as a Signals Intelligence Interceptor at Fort Huachuca
Arizona. However, the regimented life of an Army Spec 4 and the Arizona heat helped Gene decide an
Army career was not for him! Gene left the Army and moved to Colorado where he served as a Deputy
with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department and welcomed three sons to his family. As a young dad, Gene
took a job at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal working in the industrial plant supporting the sprawling
superfund site and his growing family. His work there prepared him to be a defense contractor in the
complex and dangerous field of chemical weapons disposal, where he worked until retirement. His plant
assignments included Johnston Atoll, Newport, Indiana, Pueblo, Colorado, Blue Grass Depot, Kentucky, and two stints at the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama. In Anniston, Gene met his wife, forever love and life
partner Melissa Lindsey. After marriage, they moved to Pueblo where they welcomed Gene’s fourth son
into the world. As retirement was approaching, Gene and Melissa chose to make the Anniston area their
forever home, where he perfected the wear of crimson and white, and perfected the chant “Roll Tide” with
an Ohio accent and a big smile. After working 30+ years in roles ranging from junior operator to plant shift
manager, Gene’s final role was at the Anniston Depot as an Area Supervisor from which he retired in 2024.
Though Gene was extremely skilled and in high demand in his profession, his work did not define him.
Gene was a doting father and grandfather who loved to travel and who was affectionately called “Daddy
Disney” because of the great generosity he showed to his family and those around him. He loved to travel
in Europe and took every opportunity to visit London, his favorite destination. A US Army Expert
Marksman, Gene was a lifelong gun enthusiast and die hard 2nd amendment advocate who loved God, his
country, and his family. Gene often signed his emails “FBSU” which was an inside joke amongst his siblings
for “Favorite Brother, Son and Uncle”, which he was and forever will be.
Gene is survived by his loving wife Melissa Hunt (Lindsey), sons Jonathan (Clara) of Fairfax, Virginia, Paul
Michael (Amy) of Denver, Colorado, Christopher also of Denver and Declan of the home. He leaves behind
devoted mother Patty Surratt (Conrad) of Circleville, Ohio, sisters Kimberly Rhoades and Deborah England
of Circleville and brothers Lt Col Wayne Surratt (Heather) of St Louis, Missouri and Doug Surratt (Kelly) of
Kingston, Ohio . Gene was the proud grandfather of Josh, Liam, Elena, Julia, Sofia, Robert, and Amelia and the fun uncle to 14 nieces and nephews and 13 grand nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by fathers Eugene M. Hunt and CMSgt Luke Surratt, his daughter Jennifer Taylor, niece Megan Courson, and nephew Chandler East.
Gene was a generous soul who took it upon himself to ensure nobody in his life needed for anything and
always put the needs of his family and others above his own. He led a selfless life rich in love and devotion
to others. The world is a far better place for his all too brief time in it.
There will be a public visitation at 1 PM on Saturday, 15 June 2024 at Cremation Services of East Alabama
Chapel, Anniston Alabama, immediately followed by a funeral service, to be officiated by Chaplains Dale
Hollingsworth and Judson Blewster.
