Gail Borden Hunter, 79, died on January 21, 2021, after a prolonged illness. A long-time resident of Powell, Gail was born in March of 1941 in Cookeville, Tennessee to Walter Halcolm Borden and Elsie Ermine Borden.
Gail began her distinguished career at the University of Tennessee shortly after her marriage in 1962. Until her retirement in 1993, she was the secretary for the Pride of the Southland Band under the direction of Dr. WJ Julian. At her retirement, Gail was the first person to be honored as a Lifetime Member of the Pride of the Southland Band. She continued working with Dr. Julian to establish the Smoky Mountain Music Festival, which became one of the premier music festivals in the nation.
Gail is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jeff Hunter, long-time basketball coach at Powell High School; her sister, Linda Borden Bridgewater (Roy); sisters-in-law, Barbara Hunter Luke (Henry), Joyce Borden, and Lisa Hunter; brother-in-law, David Hunter (Beverly); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of band kids. Gail was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, James “Jimmy” Borden, and her brother-in-law, Steve Hunter.
So that all may join us in remembering Gail, a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gail Hunter Memorial Band Scholarship at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. UT Pride of the Southland Band, 1741 Volunteer Boulevard, 227 Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Knoxville, TN 37996-2605. http://giving.utk.edu/hunter
