Capt. Richard Irvin Hunter

Richard Irvin Hunter earned his final and most magnificent set of wings on Friday, February 19, 2016. Richard reached his final destination to his heavenly home with his family by his side. Richard was born in Miami to Robert and Mildred Hunter on November 20, 1939. Upon graduation from Miami Senior High School, Richard attended the University of Miami before enrolling in the United States Air Force. Known as a true officer and a gentleman, Richard married Gail Patterson, a small town girl from Sumter, South Carolina who he met while stationed at Shaw Air Force Base. Richard and Gail lived a 53-year love story that centered on their three children, who continue to live their lives by the guiding principles taught by their father. Michael Loyd Hunter resides in Atlanta with his wife Dawn and four children; Patterson, Jake, Ben and Maggie. Jon Christopher Hunter resides in Dallas with his wife Nicole and three children; Jackson, Jane and Jillian. Richard Patrick Hunter resides in Houston with wife Lauren and two children; Sydney and Jesse. Richard considered his family to be the greatest joy in life. After serving the United States Air Force through the Vietnam War, Richard left active duty for the United States Air Force Reserves, the South Carolina Air National Guard and civilian employment as a pilot for Eastern Airlines. Richard and Gail settled in Sumter, South Carolina where their lives were enriched by family and a sense of adventure through travel. In 1984, Richard moved his family to Atlanta. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and Squadron Commander of the 707th MAS based out of Charleston Air Force Base and worked for Eastern until the day the company ceased operations in 1992. After his aviation career, Richard found a new career as a commercial real estate appraiser in Atlanta, which lasted nearly 20 years. Richard's undying loyalty, love and devotion to God, his wife and children made for a fulfilling life and thriving family. Richard was predeceased by his father Robert and is survived by his wife Gail Hunter of Roswell, Georgia; mother Mildred Hunter of Brandon, Florida; brother Rev. Bobby Hunter of Pasadena, California; sister Marsha Fett of Brandon, Florida; and his three sons and their families.
Memorial services will be held at 6:00 pm Thursday, February 25, 2016 at ChristChurch Presbyterian, 1740 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309. A full military salute to his life will be conducted at 9:30 am Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Mark Christopher Fund, a ministry that provides financial assistance to men and their families who are enduring unexpected hardships. The Mark Christopher Fund c/o Leadership Ministries, 5901-C Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 50, Atlanta, Georgia 30328.
Condolences may be offered online at www.asturner.com


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033