Joe Hunter Obituary

TSgt (RET) Joe Ammer Hunter was born May 23rd, 1932 to the late Mr. Joe A Hunter and the late Mrs. Clotee Hunter Legette in Kinton, Arkansas, St. Francis County. He was the second oldest and was the last surviving sibling of three brothers and two sisters.

Joe graduated from Lincoln High School in Forrest City, Arkansas and joined the Armed Forces on October 8th, 1951. While in the United States Air Force, he was stationed at different bases throughout the United States and overseas. During one of his overseas deployments (Torrejón Air Force Base in Madrid, Spain, 1966), he met who would become his wife, Maria Carmen Meco, of 51 years. Joe served in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971 in Saigon, Vietnam. In total, he served 23 years in the United States Air Force with an honorable discharge dated September 30th, 1974, in Homestead, Florida.

After his military retirement, Joe remained in South Florida and became an employee of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Miami, Florida for 20 years. Joe became a very active member of the church at the Homestead Air Force Base Chapel, which led to his baptism and confirmation into the catholic faith. He was also a committed adult leader of Troop 88 of the Boy Scouts of America. After Hurricane Andrew devastated the South Florida region, Joe became a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Homestead, Florida and dedicated his time as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4998. He volunteered his time to the parish, assisting with local community needs and mentoring the youth.

After retiring from the VA, Joe continued contributing his free time to the church. He helped raise several grandchildren and became a vital presence in their daily lives while their parents were deployed in active duty or continuing their education. He also adopted and cared for his grand-dog, and spent many hours taking walks around the neighborhood, his favorite pastime. Joe always ensured his family was taken care of and encouraged to make the most of their lives here on earth.

Joe was well known for his distinct, tall, straight stature, his great sense of humor, his love of telling stories, his affection and kind-heartedness and calm disposition. His family was his pride and joy. He enjoyed spending time with all of them, especially his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by everyone.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories; wife, Maria Carmen Hunter, six children, Mrs. Robin (Augustus) Hunter Page of Miami, Florida, Mrs. Pamela Stringer of West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Joe A Hunter II of West Palm Beach, Florida, Ms. Jan Hunter of West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Jesus Hunter of Palm Coast, Florida and Ms. Angela Hunter of Miami, Florida. He also leaves behind eleven surviving grandchildren; Ghana, Zsharmia, DeMarco, Roshaw, Jill, Amber, Roosevelt, Gregorio, Cassandra, Ana and Evelyn, and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

"Take My Hand, Precious Lord"

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home