James William "Big Will" Hunter, 56, of Matthews, went home unexpectedly to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Sunday morning, May 13, 2012. William was born April 6, 1956, in Monroe, NC, the son of Runia Mae Hunter and the late William John Hunter. William was a loving and compassionate husband, father and grandfather. His immediate family includes his loving wife of 37 years, Joanie Poplin Hunter; their children, Mandy Hunter Stanton and husband, Brian, of Monroe; William Jared Hunter and wife, Paige, of Matthews; and James Daren Hunter of Matthews; siblings Connie Morton and Ronnie Hunter of Monroe; Patsy Helms of Concord; grandchildren Avery Noel and Seth Ryan Stanton of Monroe. William and Joanie spent many loving days at the beach with their family and friends at Ocean Lakes Resorts. They enjoyed riding on a golf cart with their children, grandchildren and his beloved dog, Charlie or riding their bikes to get ice cream. William's days were also filled with time at softball fields with both of his sons. Their love of the sport and each other provided many hours of family time. They also shared many Christmas seasons at Simpson's Tree Lot. He also loved spending time with his daughter and grandchildren. He was excited that his only granddaughter had also developed the same love affair with softball. His grandson was a "pawpaw's boy" and loved watching UFC fights together while cheering on their favorite fighters. Pawpaw was little Seth's big hero. "Big Will" could always be found with his traveling softball team, Reality Check and his senior league at Parkroad. His love for his teammates was matched only by his love of the game. Having a compassionate heart, "Big Will" was always showing the love of Jesus to each and everyone that needed his help. William and Joanie were greeters at Matthews Church of God. William was a dedicated employee for over 30 years at Windstream of Matthews. He had many friends and teammates that he encouraged daily with his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. ***In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in William's name be made to his home church, Matthews Church of God, 517 E. John St. Matthews, NC, or First Baptist Church Indian Trail, 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Rd. Indian Trail, NC 28079. -
Service Information
Thursday, May 17th, 2012 11:00am, First Baptist Church Indian Trail
Interment Details
Ritch Cemetery