Richard "Dick" Hunter

1935 - 2015

Richard "Dick" Hunter

October 12, 1935 - October 29, 2015

Raleigh

Richard (Dick) Hunter, 80 departed this life on Thursday, October 29th 2015.He was born in Leechburg, PA to James and Louella Hunter. He was raised with his six brothers and sister in Leechburg, PA and grew up with a competitive spirit that led him to the football field at Leechburg High. He was known as Leechburg's favorite gridiron son. He was a football, baseball and basketball star at Leechburg High.

After High school his competitive spirit took him to NC State University and there he was one of the finest halfbacks in the ACC where he proved his presence. While at NC State he acquired the nickname "Spook" and his friends explain this meant Dick Hunter was quicker than a phantom and as quiet as a ghost. He was also referred to at NC State as a Touchdown Twin and cleared the way for his team twin with blocking men that were much bigger than him. He was small in stature however large in sprit, determination and ability. He led the team in punting, intercepted passes, punt returns and kickoff returns. He was also an outstanding defensive back. He often said that they played on the field both ways, and the only time he was not on the field was when they were kicking off.

NC State assistant coach Pat Peppler once said: "Dick Hunter would be the greatest football player in America if he weighed 190 pounds." The media wrote that pound for pound he may have been the finest football player ever to lace up his cleats at NC State. As a senior the Wolfpack student body voted him their choice as a recipient of the "Alumni Athletic Trophy" award. When you talk about one of the most exciting NC State Wolfpack teams it has to be that 1957 ACC Championship Team and he led them as Team Captain. As football season ended Spook concentrated on baseball and hit .300 for the Wolfpack. It was not long before he was the top centerfielder in the ACC.

Hunter went on to display his talents in the Canadian Football Leaque with the Montreal Alouettes and the Ottawa Roughriders. He also become an avid golfer and spent countless hours on the golf course.

He worked in Insurance Sales, Recreation Director and Security and he knew the importance of the people in his life and it was easy to tell that his love for sports was always what really motivated him.

Thank you for being a part of our lives. We love you and will greatly miss you!

He was preceded in death by Brenda Hamilton Hunter. Survived by his children, Rick Hunter, Tammy Griffith (John), and Todd Hunter (Dorothy), grandchildren dear to him, Melissa, Brian and Josh Patterson

Family and friends are welcome for lunch Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 at 1pm at Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Hamilton's residence. A sincere thanks to the Hamilton Family for all their love and support!

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2015 1-2pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC, followed by burial at 2:30pm at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC.