Johnny Michael Hunter

Johnny Michael Hunter passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024. He was 88 years old. Mike was born in Georgia on August 10, 1936 to Mike and Johnnie Hunter. He grew up in the Kirkwood area of Atlanta. His family attended Kirkwood Baptist Church, where he met Martha Williford as a young girl. They were smitten and began their childhood romance when he was 16 and she was 13. They never faltered and continued to be sweethearts throughout their lives. They are now reunited.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Grace Calvary Episcopal Church, 295 East Green Street in Clarksville, Georgia. Celebration of life will follow at the church at 3:00 pm. There will be a private inurnment.
He went to Grady High School, where he was the president of his senior class. He developed a skill for leadership that he used his entire life. Following high school, he attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, (now Auburn University) in Alabama. He graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Administration. However, his true love lived in Georgia, so when he graduated, they married. They started their new lives in the Air Force, where he was a pilot. They were married for 65 years.
After several moves, from Albany, to Texas, to Maine, the couple left the Air Force and built their home in Decatur. They were members of Briarcliff Baptist Church for many years where he served on many committees, including the finance committee and the building committee, among others. They had one son and two daughters during this time. Mike started and ran two successful highway construction businesses named Mike Hunter, Inc. and later, M. E. Hunter & Associates. His military experience and type A personality made him very successful in highway contracting.
Mike had the gift of generosity from the heart. Kindness in all things was his way. It was his joy to invite friends and family to their home, Cloudwood Farm, in the mountains of Northeast Georgia. He gave liberally to many causes. He helped those in need. He gave his full heart to his three children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was famous for his humorous antics that were polar opposite of his work persona. He made expressive faces, silly jokes, and had a grandpa dance that had everyone in tears. His storytelling was legendary and laughter followed him around like a puppy. Even in his last couple of days, he was very expressive with those who gathered around him to see him off.
He passed his love for nature along to his entire family. Waterfalls, trails, woods, and oceans were his favorite places to worship God. The nature photography he took up in retirement allowed him the creative expression to show the intricacies and details of God's creation. His detailed flower photos were his favorites, but any scenic view was an opportunity for him to show the majesty of the Creator. He passed down a legacy of beauty.
He had a special connection with each of his grandkids and a keen interest in all they were doing. From hobbies to jobs, he was always asking about every detail. He was incredibly proud of every one of them. He enjoyed watching their lives and spending time with them was one of his greatest joys. His devotion to his family was visible to all who knew him.
Survivors include his son- Mike Hunter of Atlanta, GA; granddaughter- Liane St. Clair and husband Ben of Atlanta, GA; grandson- David Hunter and partner EJ of Orlando, FL; granddaughter- Kara Hunter of Atlanta, GA; daughter- Michelle Gunnin and husband Bill of Cleveland, GA; granddaughter- Hannah Gunnin Dunn and husband Jimmy of Seattle, WA; grandson- Aaron Gunnin of Charlotte, NC; grandson- William Gunnin of Atlanta, GA; grandson- Peter Gunnin and wife Adey of Monroe, GA; great grandson- Shepherd Gunnin of Monroe, GA; daughter- Melinda Jenkins and husband Steve of Salem, SC; granddaughter- Sarah Clarke and husband Ryan of Greenville, SC; grandson- James Jenkins and wife Erin of Carlsbad, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents- Mike and Johnnie Hunter; and his sister- Joanna Hathcock.
In lieu of flowers please donate to one of the following organizations to rebuild roads, houses, and the arts in Dad's beloved WNC.
River Arts District Artists Foundation: https://www.riverartsdistrict.com/ Beloved Asheville: https://www.belovedasheville.com/donate/ Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation: https://www.brpfoundation.org/donate Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity: https://www.ashevillehabitat.org/how-to-help/donate/
Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements
For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
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