Charles Raymond (Bud) Hunsucker

Bud Hunsucker, 69, of Atlanta, died Friday December 30, 2016 of Glioblastoma at Hospice Atlanta. His quick wit, great stories, winning smile and boisterous manner will be missed by many.

He was born December 18, 1947 in Brookhaven, Mississippi and raised in Atlanta, Georgia by Patsy Louise Griffith Hunsucker and the late Charles Raymond Hunsucker, Sr. Bud graduated from Briarcliff High School in 1965. He got a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University.

After joining the U.S. Navy he entered the Aviation Officers Candidate School. He completed Masters Degrees in Strategic Studies at the Naval War College and International Affairs at Salve Regina University. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer, reporting to Attack Squadron 128 for training as an A-6E Bombadier/Navigator, and Aide/Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Pacific Fleet. Bud had over 1650 flight hours and 163 carrier landings. He was a Retired Navy Commander (1970-1993) and member of the elite Blue Angels.

After retiring from the Navy Bud was a successful business person. He brought his enthusiasm, energy and bright smile to everything he did. Prior to his retirement he was Vice President of Business Development & School Programs at Cengage Learning, Executive Vice President at OnCourse Learning, Director of Consumer Solutions at Social Security Solutions, Inc., Agent at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers and Vice President at OnCourse Learning Real Estate.

On the side he had what he would call a second job as President of The Briary Condominium Association overseeing many changes and improvements to the facility.

His wife Lyndel has been deeply involved in various animal rescue, placement and sheltering organizations. Bud, as a result, was too. He took to it with good humor and zeal. Together they took on the most hopeless cases. The cats with the most challenging injuries. Lyndel took the lead. But Bud happily followed. In his final days their beloved Bettie was his nurse and constant companion.

Bud was a constant runner and bicyclist. He ran the Peachtree Road Race every year and even ran on the Fourth of July this year. In June he also biked 500 miles in The Great Cycle Challenge for the second year in a row to raise money to fight childrens' cancer.

An avid traveler, Bud and Lyndel went back to Italy every year. They took Italian lessons to better enjoy the visits. This year, even in the later stage of his illness they returned to Rome and Florence with his daughters Maggie and Andi for one last taste of the food, culture and scenery he so loved.

Bud was a master storyteller. He lived a big, full life. So he had a lot of them. He loved telling the story that as an assistant Navigator on the Kitty Hawk he had a slight international incident when they ran over a Russian submarine. And how the Blue Angels, to keep from being locked on the ground when Air Force One landed, scrambled and flew out just ahead of it. Perhaps violating some codes and rules.

Bud is survived by his wife Lyndel Gliedman; daughters Adrian (Andi) Hunsucker and Margaret (Maggie) Valerio and son-in-law Jason Valerio, of Atlanta; his mother Patsy Hunsucker of Conyers: and sisters Raelene Davis of Crawfordville, Florida and Kee Kennedy of Conyers. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces.

The family suggests memorials to American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org), Ahimsa House (www.ahimsahouse.org), or Society of Humane Friends of Georgia (www.sohfga.com). Thank you.

Cremation and arrangements provided by A.S. Turner and Sons. A private ceremony will be held at a later time at Arlington National Cemetery.

As one of the men who served with him said, Bud, may you have fair winds and following seas. We have the watch.


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