William Campbell "Bill" Hunter

1936 - 2025

William Campbell "Bill" Hunter

May 26, 1936 - January 23, 2025

Wilmington, North Carolina - William Campbell "Bill" Hunter, also known as Papa Builder, age 88, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025.

He was born May 26, 1936 in Raleigh, NC the son of the late Rufus Avera and Elizabeth Campbell "Ibby" Hunter. Bill grew up in Raleigh during what he called simpler, slower times, and also the very best years to grow up! He spent his early days at Murphy School and then Hugh Morson High School. Post graduation he attended Wake Forest College (University) and Campbell College (University) before joining the Air Force Reserve program. After his time in service, he went on to complete his education graduating from East Carolina University with a degree in Business and a History minor.

Bill began his career working alongside his father for several years in the life insurance business followed by holding several positions at North Carolina National Bank before finding his true calling in real estate. Bill enjoyed many successful years building relationships with clients and colleagues while working with Fonville Morisey and First Charter Realty, both of Raleigh, before retiring in 2002.

Bill's love of sports began at a young age playing little league baseball and spending his days shooting hoops at the YMCA where his grandfather was the first president in Raleigh. He believed that sports provide such an important opportunity for growth and development while teaching many of life's lessons along the way. As his sons developed their own interest in sports, he spent years coaching their youth soccer and baseball teams. Later, his grandchildren's involvement in organized sports pleased him very much. An avid fan at each stage of life, he could often be found cheering on the Yankees as well as his favorite Tar Heels. Following his retirement Bill spent much of his time creatively. He enjoyed listening to music, constructing intricate models, painting in watercolor, and most recently writing. He was a dedicated researcher and completed and published his first book, Keeping Up With The Joneses, just last year. He continued to enjoy an active lifestyle in retirement walking daily through Hayes Barton and swimming in the summer months with his Bishops Park pool friends who he fondly referred to as the "swimmin women". He could also routinely be found enjoying a meal at the K&W in Cameron Village. In his later years Bill preferred to spend most of his time near home, though he did often enjoy traveling to Wrightsville Beach. As time went on he grew increasingly less in favor of phone calls and his preferred method of staying in touch with family and friends, both old and new, became email. If you were "lucky enough" to get on his lengthy email list then you know he sent many! Not sure what subject you may find upon opening the message, you were always guaranteed to find many peculiar emojis to close!

With all of his accomplishments and interests over the years, Bill's greatest joy in life was time spent with his family. To be near to his two sons, daughter in law, and two grandchildren he made the decision to leave Raleigh in 2017 to move to Wilmington or what he liked to call "the land of enchanted living". Being close by allowed him to be involved in more areas of his family's daily lives and readily available for many family gatherings and celebrations. We are so thankful for that move and will treasure the years that we had him just down the road. Bill was a kind, quick wit, wordy kind of guy with a gift for conversation. He loved to share a story and even more importantly loved to hear one. A favorite activity was simply hearing what the kids and grandkids have been up to. He was a friend to many and was truly invested in learning of others' interests and lives. He was talented and crafty, active and vibrant, thoughtful and entertaining, observant, verbal, honest, and complimentary (most of the time). (We did say he was honest!) He was happy, strong willed, and brave. Growing up at First Baptist Church of Raleigh then attending White Memorial while raising his own children, Bill was a man of faith. He was full of gratitude and was very vocal in expressing his appreciation for others. He was an exceptional gentleman and a true class act. A proud father and, if even possible, an even prouder grandfather, he loved his family deeply. He truly was one of a kind and he will be missed so very much.

Being preceded in death by his Mom, Dad and brother Carey J Hunter, he is survived by his son Bill Hunter, Jr and wife Kim of Wilmington, son Brad Hunter of Wrightsville Beach, and his two grandchildren who he adored, Ella Campbell Hunter and William Campbell Hunter III, along with one brother, Rufus A. Hunter, Jr.

A service will be held graveside at 2:00 on Saturday, February 1st at Oakwood Cemetery. 701 Oakwood Avenue in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers and in an effort to continue his belief in the development of health and life's values through being active in sports, memorial contributions may be made to The Raleigh YMCA by visiting www.ymcatriangle.org/donate/annual-campaign-giving. Please select the Alexander, Poyner, Southeast Raleigh YMCAs and fill in the "In Honor/Memoriam" tab. If a check is preferred, it can be made to YMCA of the Triangle, also noting in memory of, and mailed to 1603 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605 CO: Matt Lilley. He would be most honored to know that he helped provide more youth the same opportunities for growth and development that he was given by growing up at the "Y". Condolences to the family may be sent to www.coblegreenlawn.com.