Julia Hunt Luke

Julia Hunt Luke, 75, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Born in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on March 6, 1950, she was the beloved daughter of the late Reverend John Wilson Hunt and Mary Ann Fleming Hunt. Julia was raised in Tallahassee, Florida and completed her high school education in Nashville, Georgia, graduating from Berrien High School in 1968. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Valdosta State College. Julia dedicated her professional life to public service, beginning in 1972 with the City of Valdosta’s accounting department, where she served as Assistant Director of Finance for 27 years. Her career later took her to Griffin, Milledgeville, Roswell, and finally Villa Rica, where she retired in 2015 as Chief Finance Director. Throughout her career, Julia was deeply involved with the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association (GGFOA), serving in various leadership roles, including President. While serving in this organization, she received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Award on multiple occasions. She was a devoted member of Northside Baptist Church, where she shared her faith by teaching Sunday School to the young married couples class. Julia’s passions included collecting model trains, decorating for holidays, cheering on the Florida State Seminoles, and cherishing time with her beloved dog, Bentley.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Katherine (Chad) Bennett of Nashville, Georgia, and Jonathan Luke of Smyrna, Georgia; her sister and brother-in-law, Ellen Wood and Tom Barton of McDonough; grandchildren Austen and Jaden Bennett of Nashville, Greyson and Chelsea Bennett of Adel, Trenton Bennett of Nashville, Parker Luke and Grant Luke of Smyrna; and great-grandchild Kashtyn Bennett. Julia is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kaye Hunt of Valdosta, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Becky Hunt Proctor, and her brother J. Fleming Hunt.

A graveside service to honor Julia’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Bob Willis officiating. The family welcomes online condolences at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home is assisting the family during this time.