Stephen Hunter

Stephen Morgan Hunter, 89, passed away on September 27, 2025, in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Born June 28, 1936, in Transylvania County, he was the son of the late James Lee and Selma (Morgan) Hunter.

Steve received his education in Transylvania County Schools, graduating from Brevard High School in 1954, and earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Berea College in Kentucky in 1958. He began his career in the Ag Chem industry with Dow Chemical Company, a career that lasted more than 30 years in sales and marketing of agricultural chemicals, as well as research and development. He worked many geographies and markets, both in the mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest.

In 1959, he married Sybil Gregory of Brevard, North Carolina, and together they reared their two children: Mark and Morgan. The family lived in Charlotte, Omaha, and Kansas City until Sybil's tragic diagnosis and death from Multiple Sclerosis brought them back to the mountains of Western North Carolina.

In 1999, Steve married Donna Wisely, and they enjoyed traveling in their retirement years together, especially to the Southwestern part of our country where he began his collection of Southwestern art. They blended their love of gardening and creative endeavors into a busy life in Hendersonville. Steve found a true outlet for his creativity in woodturning, and he made many beautiful and unique pieces, some of which are displayed in galleries in WNC. He was generous with his time, too, sharing his knowledge and techniques of woodworking with others. His family and friends are proud recipients of his bowls and other pieces of art.

Steve always liked cars, and he restored several old ones during his lifetime. He loved listening to classical music and attributed his music appreciation partly to his many years as a member of the Ecusta and Brevard High School Bands. He also sang in a number of choirs and choral groups during his lifetime. A man of strong inward faith, Steve was a member of Mills River United Methodist Church.

Some of Steve's greatest pleasures were in sharing conversation and a cup of coffee with friends and family and working in his shop. His daughter remembers how he taught her and her brother about plants and landscaping, following the tradition of his own dad who taught him so much on the little farm where he grew up, and relying on his training in 4-H and FHA. He and Donna enjoyed the flowers and shrubs in their yard, always happy to share plants with their neighbors and friends.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Mark Hunter; his wife, Sybil (1998); his wife Donna (2025); and his brother, James Lee Hunter, Jr. Surviving to cherish his memory are: his daughter, Morgan Hunter (Shawn Puckett); granddaughter Fiona Hunter-Thompson

(Victor); two sisters, Sara Kellar (Bob), and Sue Ellen Wearn (Bob); niece Martha Taylor (Tom); nephews Lee Kellar, Clay Hunter (Roni), Tim Hunter (Michele); stepchildren Greg Bright (Julie), Teresa Knapp (Dick), Stu Bright (Nancy), Susan Bright; and special friends and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be on October 24 at 2:00 pm at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 538 Tracy Grove Road, Hendersonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to Mills River United Methodist Church, 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC 28759.