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John Hunsucker Obituary
John is survived by sister Amy Moore and husband Sam of Cramerton, NC, and sister Ann Halsey and husband Ron of Virginia Beach, VA; nieces and nephew, Samantha Moore and Morgan and Trey Halsey. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Elton and Carleen Hunsucker.
John is also survived by thousands of athletes, students, and colleagues whose lives he positively impacted during his 38 years of teaching.
John began his science teaching career in 1980 at Grier Junior High School and moved to Forestview High School in 1998. During his career he received many accolades and achievements, including Gaston County Schools Teacher of the Year, National Board certification, numerous Coach of the Year awards, and multiple community service honors. John was also a longtime cellist with the Western Piedmont Symphony, Gaston String Orchestra, and the Heartstrings Quartet.
Valuing fellowship among family and friends, John will be remembered as an extraordinary gentleman who was grounded in tradition. John was courageous, quick witted and believed nothing was too big to be conquered. He spent countless hours, personal resources, and every ounce of creativity to enhance the lives of everyone. John valued education and the importance of building character. He taught his students and his teams three rules: be a gentleman or lady first, a scholar second, and an athlete last.
An innovator with a creative mind and a vivacious personality, John was many things. He was an inspiring teacher, a dedicated coach, a talented musician, a life-changing mentor, the loudest cheerleader, a supportive colleague, and a man who believed sending flowers was still important. He was our rock.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11:00 am on Saturday, September 29, 2018, in the Forestview High School Auditorium. The family will be receiving friends and guests after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forestview High School to establish a scholarship in Coach Hunsucker's name.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Hunsucker family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hunsucker
Kevin Payne
October 28, 2018
Wow!
This is heartbreaking! I can still remember every Track practice at at Grier Jr High. Everyday - we started with a run from Grier to Bojangles' and back! I can also remember you taking me and Will
Stephenson to Chapel Hill to watch the State High School Meet - good times!
You were always looking for a way for us to better ourselves!
Coach, you were more than a coach, you were a guiding light - and you will be missed!
You alwlays said that anything difficult was always worth doing without taking a shortcut!
Your legacy and impact on students and myself will forever be remembered!
Rest easy, and much love, you
Kevin Payne
Heather Mcswain
October 2, 2018
He was a great teacher, always funny and smiling. I was in the graduating class of 2003.
September 30, 2018
You brought so much fun to Forestview. You were always smiling, and happy no matter what. All the students loved you, and you will forever be missed. May you rest easy, and may God wrap his arms around your family in their time of sadness.
Tiffany Queen
September 29, 2018
I went to Forestview from 2006-2010. No one ever called him Mr. Hunsucker. It was always "Coach" Hunsucker. Out of the respect for the great man that he was. He filled Forestview's hall with joy,smiles, laughter,respect,love, and school spirit. I myself will never forget him, and will miss him dearly. To the family you are in my prayers.
Butch Blalock
September 27, 2018
John, I will always be indebted to you for teaching me the xcountry sport. You were the best and you always had time to lend a helping hand or good advice for anyone that needed it. You will be missed.
Ashley Austin
September 27, 2018
Wow, I ran for John for 2 years before switching over to Eddie Wyatt at East Gaston. Both gentlemen passed away this year. They were uniquely different individuals with equally high standards for themselves and the hundreds of kids fortunate enough to call either man Coach.
I can picture John and Eddie now, keeping splits while arguing over the 1991 Gaston County Cross-Country Meet Results. :-).
I last saw John 3 years ago at a Photo Lab (shocker) picking up an arm full of prints and posters. No doubt gifts for the folks in his huge world. Fare the well my bright star.
Jo Dogan
September 27, 2018
John, I haven't seen you much lately, but you have left an impression on my life and many others. You have left too soon, but used your years well!
Sherry Bell
September 27, 2018
John was a coworker at Grier . What a very special man! My sincerest condoleneces to the family . He will always be with you
Larry McAfee
September 27, 2018
John was a valued colleague and dear friend whom I met his first year coaching at Ashbrook HS while I was coaching at East Mecklenburg HS. We shared common beliefs about the importance of helping young people be the best person they could be as well as the best athlete they could be, and we shared a love of photography. I know he was passionate about his students and athletes, and loved teaching and coaching. He was a true gentleman, and will live in fond memories for the rest of our lives. Our sport and our community are poorer with his passing.
Dana Carpenter
September 27, 2018
Mr. Hunsucker was my Science teacher in 1983-84. He had so much energy and so much love for his profession. He had high expectations and challenged us all to be better students. I have never forgotten him, Bernoulli's Principle or to spit out my gum before important events. It was so good to have caring, dynamic teachers full of personality and wit. I'm grateful and send my deepest condolences to his family.
Terry and Brenda Moore
September 27, 2018
The loss of this wonderful man leaves many broken hearts. His legacy will live on in all the lives he touched.
Marcia Sommers
September 27, 2018
John was a member of the Handbell choir I directed at First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia. He was such a delight - made us laugh, and made us a better community. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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