W. M. Hunt

Abilene, Texas - W. M. (Bill) Hunt, Jr. of Abilene, Texas peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday morning, January 27, 2013. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, January 30, 2013 at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, January 31, 2013 at Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 South 20th Street, Abilene, Texas with Reverend Mike Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Throckmorton Cemetery, Throckmorton Texas at 3:30 p.m. Bill was born in Greenville, Texas to Mascal and Myrtle Hunt on May 24, 1932. He graduated in 1949 as valedictorian of Quinlan High School. Bill married Betty Jane Darden in Throckmorton, Texas on November 17, 1951. He graduated with a BBA Degree from Hardin-Simmons University in 1953 with a double major in Business Administration and Economics, with a minor in journalism. Bill worked for Hughes Tool Company from 1953 to 1966, Porter Burgess Company from 1966 to 1971, the Texas Army National Guard from 1972 to 1977, returning to the Porter Burgess Company in 1977 until his retirement in 1991. He also served in the Texas Army National Guard for 30 years, and the U.S. Army Reserves for 12 years, earning the rank of Colonel prior to his retirement. Bill was a member of Southwest Park Baptist Church. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mascal and Myrtle Hunt, and a daughter, Karla Jan Hunt. Survivors include his wife, Betty of Abilene, Texas, son Mark Hunt and wife Susan of Abilene and daughter Lisa Phillips and husband Don of Peaster, Texas; one sister, Thelma Stroman of Terrell, Texas, and brothers Charles Hunt and wife Wanda of Quinlan, Texas and Joe Hunt and wife Kay of Leonard, Texas. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Stephens and wife Amy, Stephanie Phelps and husband Eric, Maria Phillips, Gloria Phillips, and Lydia Phillips. He also is survived by his great-grandchildren Maggie Stephens, Benton Stephens, Harrison Phelps and Haylee Phelps, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Park Baptist Church or a memorial of your choice. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Allen Schultz and his staff for their loving care of Bill, the staff of Abilene Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Aerocare Express. The family also thanks Bill's Senior Adult Bible Study class for their love, care and encouragement of Bill and his family. Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com. Published in Abilene Reporter News Jan. 30, 2013