CW5(R) Gregory Hunter

CW5(R) Gregory Hunter, 55, transitioned on Sunday, January 15, 2023. A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Monday, January 30th  at Fort Bliss Army Base, 1AD Chapel, Bldg. 11272, Fort Bliss TX. Visitation/Viewing at 11:00 a.m. and Funeral Services at 1:00 p.m. Live stream will begin at 1:00 p.m. The Committal Service, with Military Honors, will follow at Fort  Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue, Ft. Bliss TX.

All guests for Mr. Hunter’s services must enter and exit through the MSG Pena Gate. Any guest arriving after 1:00 PM will be required to Obtain a pass. All guests are required to have Photo Identification when arriving. Guests or family members under the age of 18 are not required to have identification.

Gregory was born on April 11, 1967, in Buena Vista (Marion County) GA, to Thelma Hunter Boone. He was the third of seven children.   Greg was reared by his Grandparents, Willis “Buster” and Minnie Jewel Perry Hunter.  He is the Great Grandson of Laura King Hunter, and Thomas and Berdia Perry; the Great, Great Grandson of Levi King, Sr.; and the Great, Great, Great Grandson of Sam King.

Greg was a native of Buena Vista GA and a resident of Texas.  He graduated from Central High School, Macon GA (1985), where he excelled academically, with superiority in math.  Greg has always had a fervent love for sports.  He enjoyed playing football, wrestling, boxing, and running the 50-yard dash.  His greatest passions were watching football, singing, dancing, and attending family reunions/activities.  Upon graduation, Greg attended Morehouse University (Atlanta GA).     Greg later enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss TX.  His career culminated after 30 years as a Patriot Missile System Chief Warrant Officer 5, within the Air Defense Artillery.   His tours included Iran, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, Southwest Asia, Bahrain, and Germany.  Because Greg believed in continuing education, he furthered his studies in psychology at Excelsior University.

Chief Hunter incredibly and flawlessly served his country well, retiring after 30 years of service on March 1, 2016  He also received numerous immaculate and impeccable Officer Evaluation Reports, and one of the highest exceptional military awards—the Legion of Merit Award.

Gregory married his “Sweetie,” Cherylanne Dooley, on March 25, 2010, in El Paso, TX.  Chief Hunter was always happiest when he was with his “Sweetie.” He was truly a family man.  As a young adult, Greg accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.  While at Fort Bliss, he joined the congregation at 1AD Chapel. In 2021, he was given the right hand of fellowship again at  Lakewood Church, Houston TX.  He continuously demonstrated his love for Christ by showing empathy, love, forgiveness, kindness, and compassion for others.   

Even today, his wife, Cherylanne, repeatedly states that: “Greg was so kind, genuine, and the sweetest person I have ever known on earth. Throughout our time together, I watched him spread the kindness of his heart to an unimaginable number of people.  Greg  always reached out to assist others.  He touched so many hearts with his loving personality and brought laughter to everyone.  On many occasions, Greg would meet someone and immediately take time to talk and listen to their life story.  Greg also had the unique ability to forgive without delay.  In fact, I don’t even think there was a time where he needed to forgive, because the forgiveness was already done.”  Some additional words were shared with Cherylanne:   “He made us all so much better; his demeanor and knowledge always calmed the room and invoked confidence in his words and advice.  I see how he affected me everyday.  I was blessed to be a leader molded by him.”  “Words could never describe the leadership Hunter displayed…I lost a mentor, a brother and a friend.” “Greg was always there when we needed him; he blessed so many of his family members financially, mentally, physically and psychologically.”  “Greg could always make you laugh and discipline you at the same time.”

Greg constantly talked about his experience as a child growing up, when his Grandma “Muh” made one of his favorite foods (salmon patties).  His teachers always knew when he had eaten those favorite patties, because he was so joyful.  Cherylanne always made every effort to please Greg; therefore, she continued to make his favorite salmon patties.  Those acquainted with Greg, know him to be a truly special, unique person!  His love of family is unparalleled, as evidenced by his overflowing love, deeds, support and constant contact with so many of his family members, military brothers and sisters, and friends.  Chief Hunter is also known for demonstrating a certain esprit de corps for his military brothers and sisters.  He is affectionally called Rock, Rock Dawg, No Limit, Chief Chicken Wing, and Gregory Peck.

On Sunday, January 15, 2023, in the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX,  Greg was called from mortality to Eternal Life.  He leaves to cherish loving memories: his loving and devoted Wife, Cherylanne Marie Hunter, “Sweetie;” Children, Kevin Ballard (Ventura CA); Keashona (Willie)  Clayborne (Arlington TX); Grandchildren, Kailyn Marie Clayborne and Willie Clayborne, IV (Arlington TX); Father-in-Law, James Dooley (Ventura CA) Step Father, John Boone Sr.; Siblings, Horace Givens, Jr. (Miami FL); Darryl (Kellie) Hunter (Laveen AZ); Alesia Boone (Macon GA); Cathy (James) Dothard (Lizelle GA); Mark (Dayna) Boone (Rancho Santa Margarita CA); Brother-in-Law, Brian (Lisa) Dooley (Albany OR);  and Sister-in-Law, Michelle Thompson-Ford (Houston TX), Aunts and Uncles, Minnie (Joseph) Burrows (Valrico FL); Reather (Charles) Waller (Eatonton GA); Mary (Alphonso) Walker (Eustis FL); Willie J. (Fannie) Hunter (Covington GA); Rosa Jackson (Union City GA); Nieces and Nephews, Jasmine S. and D'Angelo R. Givens; Darryl L. Hunter, Jr.; Cameron Hunter, Annastasia Ellies, Alexandria Wright, Ajani Rhodes,  Benjamin J. Dothard, Micha Thompson & Paul Ford,  Brandee Dooley,  Brianna Robbins, Jeffry Robbins, God Children, Marquita Hunter and Josiah Burrows; and other relatives and sorrowing friends. 

Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.