T.Sgt. Abell Hunter (Ret. USAF) was born to the late Aaron Hunter, Sr. and Essie B. Cooper Hunter on Tuesday, March 29, 1932, in Valdosta, Georgia. After his parents died tragically in a car accident when he was nine years old, he and his four brothers moved to Gainesville Florida where he was raised by his uncle and aunt, Osbie and Ida Hunter. He was educated in the schools of Gainesville.
After graduating from high school, Abell enlisted in the United States Air Force and faithfully served his country for twenty-three years. He was deployed in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While enlisted, he completed his college education and retired in 1973, not only as a T.Sgt. Sargent, but also as a civil engineer. Upon retirement, he moved to Columbia, South Carolina and was employed at Fort Jackson in his field of study.
In 1956, he married the love of his life, the late Rose m. Jones, Hunter. To this loving union of fifty-eight years, two daughters were born. Their love was deep and until her passing in 2012, he made certain she was well taken care of and was in need of nothing. He loved and was so proud of his daughters. Along with their mother, they set guidelines that carved out a path for them to be successful in life.
Abell was a man of few words, but every word spoken was to be taken seriously. He enjoyed playing BINGO, fishing, and sharing fond memories with old friends. One of his greatest past times was walking; which he did for three miles every day. Everyone who knew him, knew has was the best looking yard on the block, because he loved working in it and took much pride and care for it.
He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #4262.
On Sunday, April 21, 2019, T.Sgt. Abell Hunter (Ret. USF) entered into eternal rest. While each of his brothers: Aaron (Paulette), Freddie, Willie (Susie Mae), and James LL. (Mary) preceded him in death, he leaves cherished memories with his daughters, Rev. Darlene Hunter-Baker, and Debbie Renee Hunter, both of Columbia, SC; one sister-in-law, Marneisse (Freddie); a special niece, Eartha Carter-Watson, Leesburg, FL; an adopted granddaughter, Danielle Rivers, Columbia, SC; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
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