Hunter Thompson McKendree Sr.

Hunter Thompson McKendree Sr., 91, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at Lewis Gale Hospital. Born on July 30, 1919, in Richmond, Va., he is the son of the late Charles S. and Myrtle T. McKendree Sr. of Lexington. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Foizey; brother and sister-inlaw, Charles S. and Ellene McKendree Jr.; niece, Judith Anna Spencer; and stepson, Ronnie Pitman. Hunter attended Virginia Tech and served in the ROTC until 1942 when he was drafted into the Army Air Corps in World War II. He returned to Roanoke and graduated from Kennett School of Business and later became President of Snead Advertising. Very active in his community, Hunter served as President of Host Lion's Club, Toastmasters and Labac Investors; was active in Boy Scouts, a number of Dance Clubs, 200 Club, and was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Pitman McKendree; daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Michael Bourne; daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and John Gregory; and son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Lorraine McKendree Jr.; stepson and wife, Andy and Karen Pitman; six grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Loved by everyone he met, he was the epitome of a southern gentleman, an avid fisherman, and the best father and husband there ever was. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 2011 Brandon Ave., Roanoke, VA 24015. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church 2 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011, with Pastor David Skole officiating. Entombment will be in Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2011, at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.