James “Rodger” Hunter passed away Saturday, October 18 at NMMC in Tupelo with his family by his side. He was born December 24, 1946 to the late Samuel and Katie Hunter in New Hope, Alabama. He moved to Pontotoc in the early 80s and married his wife, Vaneda Plunk Hunter in 1984. Rodger worked at various factories and pastored several churches over the years. He loved gospel singing and sang with the Ministers Quartet, the Fishers of Men, and others. “Poppa” was a hoot and never met a stranger!
Rodger was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Katie Hunter of Eva, Alabama, his sister Carolyn and her husband Dean Harris of Pontotoc, and his daughter-in-law Ellen Turnage.
Rodger is survived by his wife Vaneda Hunter, his daughters Kayla Hunter and Lorna (Roger) Loggins and his son Stacy Turnage. His grandchildren Katie Hunter and Ryder Hunter-Sims, Katelyn (Evin) Hester, Kristyn (Austin) Warren, Rodney (Ashley) Loggins, Ginny (Leland) Chaney, Anna (Gib) Wilkinson, Jeremiah (Chaeli) Turnage, Abbi, Maggie, and Michael Turnage. His great grandchildren Meredith Chaney, Sadie Warren, Nash Hester, Aubree, Ryder, Averleigh, and Andy Loggins. Also, his brothers, Sammy (Ann) Hunter, Terry (Robbie) Hunter of Alabama, and Melvin (Vonda) Hunter of Tennessee.
Visitation will be Monday, October 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, and the funeral will be at 3:00 pm at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service at Turnpike Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Evin Hester, Austin Warren, Jeremiah Turnage, Gib Wilkinson, Leland Chaney, and Rodney Loggins. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Turnage and Ryder Hunter-Sims.
