Bill R. Hunt

Bill passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor at the age of 87. He was born on August 28, 1937 in Smith County, Tennessee to the late Buford and Minnie Bell (Whited) Hunt. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was a co-owner of Boice Bird and Sons, Inc. and worked as a commercial and industrial painter. Many churches, hospitals, schools and factories were painted under his direction. Bill loved watching sports, but football was his favorite. He played football at Bay City Central High School under Coach Elmer Engel during championship years. After he graduated, he loved to follow and attend local High School football games. He also attended all of U of M’s home football games for over 45 years and two Rose Bowl games. His favorite teams were U of M, MSU and his new favorite team was West Point Army, where his youngest grandson, Teddy Williams, now plays. Bill’s greatest joy in his life were his children and grandchildren. He was a fun guy, a kind and generous man.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris (Reinhardt) Hunt; children, Deborah and Joel Buffington and Tamra and Trey Williams; daughter-in-law, Karen Hunt; grandchildren, Tristan and Tanner Buffington, Katherine and Billy Hunt and Lydia, Norah and Teddy Williams, also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son, Todd Hunt; son, Bill Hunt Jr. and sister, Shirley Jean Shankles.

The family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Gephart Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday at the Church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Funeral service for Bill will take place on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church at 12:00 p.m. with a private interment to follow at Floral Gardens Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Kurt Eichinger. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in honor of Bill.