Thomas Hunter went home to find perfect rest in the arms of his maker where he longed to go after long-suffering. He was ready to meet Jesus and he left this world surrounded by great love. He is survived by brother Carroll English Hunter and wife Barbara Hunter. He has 2 surviving children, Lesa Hunter Elder and husband Hugh Elder, Thomas Richard Hunter Jr, and wife Teresa Hunter. He has 9 grandchildren, William Thomas Elder, Brian Paul Elder, Amanda Elder Davis and husband John Davis, Christina Elder Lambert and husband Paul Lambert, Cameron Lura McKegney, Ceara Savannah McKegney, John Daniel Hunter- McKegney, Brittany Hunter Howell and husband Sidney Howell, Clayton Thomas Hunter and wife Lauren Hunter. He has 11 great-grandchildren, Graysie McAyden Elder, Hannah Rene Elder Lambert, Bo Hunter Elder Lambert, Toby Richard Elder Lambert, Isabelle Rey Davis, Sophie Diane Howell, Olivia Sydney Howell, Abagail Chloe Hunter, Lydia Scarlett Hunter, Lucas Clayton Hunter, and Madelyn Bella Hunter.
He was the firstborn son of English Carroll Hunter and Helen Talbert Hunter. His life was filled with many accomplishments, graduating from Tech High School, serving in the Naval Reserves, playing baseball, golf, and becoming a part of the family business at the age of 13 years old. He married Linda Ann Thomas in 1957 and they began a family in 1958. Their first home was a tiny home on Pinkney Ave. where the firstborn daughter Lesa arrived. They soon moved to Eastway Drive where their second child Ricky was born. Sweet memories were made in both homes. The family business Hunter Auto and Wrecker Service at 1107 North Davidson Street in Charlotte became his great focus and love as he worked alongside his parents Helen Hunter and “Dick “Hunter with brother Carroll Hunter. He was a Shriner, boat lover, and big animal lover, always a dog by his side. Called Big Tom and was known for his big heart. The family moved to 6600 Sardis Road when their third baby came, Helen Lura Mckegney. Many years here brought joy watching the family grow and celebrate life together seeing each child leave the nest. He moved to his home at Lake Norman, building their dream home to retire there. He was an incredible being that left a piece of love and care to everyone. This earth lost a great man, but Heaven gained a hero.