Ora "Bob" Hunter

Ora Robert "Bob" Hunter 12/05/1949–12/12/2023 When a man of integrity, perseverance and strength passes, we often say, “We lost a good one." Well, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, we lost a great one. Whether being called to serve his country, wash his wife's car or fill it with gas, watch over fur babies for friends, or fix something complex in an embarrassingly easy manner—especially when three other people had tried to fix it already—Bob showed up. Often without even being asked. Which, we all can agree, is the best way to do it. The way he helped others was just one of the things that earned Bob lasting friendships too numerous to mention. You know who you are. And you also know just how much this beautiful soul loved you. Bob was born in Syracuse, NY to Robert and Martha, and moved to Mechanicsburg, PA around the age of five. He graduated Mechanicsburg High School in the Class of 1968 before immediately enlisting in the US Air Force. He was honored to fulfill his duties in the Vietnam War ensuring radio equipment was functioning properly on aircraft to help keep his fellow troops safe. He returned stateside due to his father's passing, then continued his service working on biomedical equipment repair in hospitals in the US and the UK. He was honorably discharged in 1978 (to quote Bob, "10 years, one month, 14 days. If you're counting."). He went on to work in the biomedical equipment field as a ServiceMaster manager here at home. He met his future wife, Jean, and fell in love in Cedar Rapids, IA. They married on October 20, 1984. Throughout the years, Bob worked for UT Medical Center in Knoxville, TN before joining a local startup as the Customer Service Tech / IT Director. He really did try to retire in 2014 but ended up casually returning to the workforce by house and pet sitting, mowing acreages and yards, helping friends with their businesses and, frankly, just making himself useful while being excellent company as always. When Bob was younger, he loved four-wheeling in JEEPs with his kids. More recently he was actively involved in Cowboy Action Shooting as a participant, loading table deputy and the like (RIP Jim Mayo, there is another rider in the sky). Throughout his life he loved reading, tinkering on cars and equipment, and being and working in the great outdoors. His curiosity and intelligence made him interesting. But his warmth made him truly special. He will be missed by both human and extended pet families. We take immense comfort in knowing all the fur babies who have gone before him were waiting on the other side to greet him with lots of kisses and tail wags. Bob is survived by his wife, Jean Muether-Hunter; daughter, Kim (Clay) Venable; and son, Chris (Heather) Hunter. Grandchildren Max Venable, Lucy Venable, Evan Miller, Bethany Miller, and Tristan Hunter. Siblings Art (Cathy) Hunter, Adelaide (John Anderson) Kopenhaver, and John (deceased) (Hannah) Hunter. Nieces Tammy (Jessie) Wehking, Laurie (Matt) Reeves, and Diane Hunter; nephews Zach Hunter, Travis Hunter, and Ryan Hunter. In-laws Dennis and Mary Willson, Jill (Brian) Wunderlich, Julie Larson, Denise Willson, Dawn Willson-Hying (Tim), and Karin Muether. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Martha Hunter, in-laws Aaron and Maxine Muether, brother John Hunter, and brother-in-law David Muether. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center (MAARC), 426 Home Avenue, Maryville, TN 37801 or MAARCadopt.org. May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Sláinte!

Tributes

Ora "Bob" Hunter

December 12, 2023