Willis Eugene Hunt Sr.

Willis Eugene Hunt, Sr. passed away in Poquoson on January 12, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Anne Forrest Hunt, his parents ,Willis J. and Missouri E. Hunt and sister, Elva R. Hunt. He is survived by his daughters, Ruth Anne Dryden (Waverly) of Seaford; Martha Hunt; and son, W. Eugene Hunt, Jr.(Pamela) of Poquoson. Grandchildren include Charles Dryden (Angela); Leigh Lucky (Sam); Joy Pearce (Louie); Jacob Dryden (Chelsea); Annarose Weichler (Derek); Gabriel Hunt; Amory Holloway (Clay); Leslie Hunt (Ryan Schumacher),and Peyton Hunt,and 13 great-grandchildren. Born in Poquoson on March 1, 1928, Eugene spent his boyhood days on the family farm. Growing up was meaningful and joyous, even though this was during “the Great Depression” This early experience was instrumental to him later establishing one of the first “pick your own” strawberry and daffodil farms in the area. Eugene attended the College of William and Mary and later served in the United States Army. He then began what would become a dual career with NACA/NASA, and as a church musician. His time at NASA-Langley involved him in many challenging projects as he served the Instrument Research Division and the Flight Electronics Division. His passion for music was expressed through serving as Minister of Music and choral director at various churches. He not only served locally, but served as a consultant on state and national levels. In 1970, he was appointed and served as a Planning Council Member of the Association of Disciples’ Musicians, a national interdenominational organization whose mission involved promoting quality church music programs. Another of his passions was the art he created through intricate wooden crosses. Eugene was active in civic affairs, serving on the City of Poquoson School Board during the planning and construction of the “new” Poquoson High School. He also served as a trustee and board member of the Virginia Peninsula Vocational-Technical Educational Center and was a member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church. Eugene was an ardent supporter of the arts, and athletics at the College of William and Mary. In 2000, He was honored for his support and cherished its rich heritage. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Tabernacle UMC 831 Poquoson Ave, Poquoson, VA 23662 with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will follow with burial at Smith Cemetery in Poquoson. In our music God is glorified “How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound ‘Alleluia!’” (Charles Villiers Stanford, 1904) In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be offered to Tabernacle UMC. Please visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and offer condolences.