Fred Copelan Hunter

Fred Copelan Hunter went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 10, 2023. He was born in Orlando, Florida on September 27, 1931, to Christine (Copelan) and Claude G. Hunter. Fred was a lifelong Florida resident, attended Princeton Elementary and Memorial Junior High Schools, and graduated from Orlando High School in 1949. After attending Furman University for a year, Fred transferred to the University of Florida, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. During college Fred enlisted and began training in the United States Navy. After graduation, he completed Naval Officers Candidate School and was commissioned in 1955.

After several years of active duty, Fred entered the Navy Reserve and became an Engineer at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin). In these early years, Fred was active in his childhood church, First Baptist Church, and enjoyed handball, fishing, boating, waterskiing, and duck hunting.

Fred married Ann Harris on December 16, 1961. Fred and Ann were blessed with three children, Fred Hunter Jr. (Kim), Martha Formella (Patrick), and Caroline Livingston (Robert), and five grandchildren, Hunter, Patrick Jr., Hannah (Seth), Mary Ann, and Carrie and with a great-grandson due in May.

After their marriage, Fred and Ann joined and were active in First Presbyterian Church Orlando where both taught Sunday School for many years. Fred also taught Oceanography and professional development courses, informally “tutored” friends and family in math, science, and real estate, and mentored numerous individuals. Fred devoted himself to his family and their many activities and continued to do so with his grandchildren. Fred was extremely loyal, cherished people, and invested time in relationships.

Fred “retired” after more than 30 years at Martin and 32 years of military service with a final rank of Captain. He then pursued other passions in real estate and conservation. Fred deeply believed in stewardship of the limited natural resources God stored up for man on planet Earth. He and Ann acquired natural land and preserved the native habitat. Their “featured creature” is the Florida Scrub Jay, the only bird endemic to Florida. Fred adored this special bird “with military bearing”. He and his family participated annually in Jaywatch, Audubon’s three day Scrub Jay count. Fred received various conservation awards including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Private Landowner Stewardship Award, Florida Forest Stewardship Program Certification, and Nature Wise Inc. Defender of the Environment Award.

Fred also was involved in the after church “coffee group”, UF Gator gatherings, Toastmasters (President), Institute of Environmental Sciences (President), Orange Swim Association (President), Boy Scouts (Troop Leader), Audubon, Native Plant Society, Trout Lake Nature Center, Florida Lakewatch, UF/IFAS Forest Stewardship Tours, and Orange County Old Timers Club.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Claude G. Hunter, Jr. Fred is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister-in-law Gloria Hunter, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Burial will be at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with full military honors. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 106 East Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801 on January 25, 2023, at 11:00 am. Arrangements are entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home of Winter Garden. In lieu of flowers, gifts to support Audubon's Jaywatch program in Fred's honor may be made online at

https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=PV7RTK83HM5GU

or by check payable to: West Volusia Audubon, P.O. Box 1268, DeLand, FL 32721-1268. Please note "Fred Hunter Memorial/Jaywatch" in the memo section to receive West Volusia Audubon matching funds.