Dr. Fred Dominic Hunker, 70, beloved husband, father, friend and physician returned to God’s keeping on Sunday, September 2, 2018. His wife, travel companion, and soulmate was by his side at the time of his departure.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hon. Joseph F. Hunker, Col (USAF retired); his mother, Frances A. Hunker; an infant daughter, Theresa Hunker; and an infant son, Joseph Gregg Hunker.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Edith “Edie” McCollough Hunker; daughter, Marie Hunker Ruvalcaba (Alex); daughter, Emily Kathleen Hunker (Andrew); son, Jacob Dominic Hunker; his sister, Mary Jo Reif (Richard); and sisters- in- law, Elizabeth M. Finn (Joe) and Caroline M. Winslow (Kenelm). He is also survived by nieces, Frances Mary Kwapiszeski, Eve Marie Legel, Margaret Winslow; nephews, Kenelm Winslow, Michael Reif and Christopher Reif and many great nieces and nephews.
Fred was born in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1947, while his father served as one the original faculty members of the Air Command and Staff School at Maxwell AFB. The family lived in Nebraska during his childhood and teenage years. After high school, Fred enrolled in St. Paul Seminary . Although he made the decision not to pursue the priesthood, the time he spent in seminary would serve to enrich his faith and shape the rest of his life. Fred’s spirit was embodied in his application to medical school where he wrote, “ I feel that what talents and abilities I have, enable me to best serve my fellow man and God in the medical field.”
A graduate of Creighton University, he attended medical school at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He returned to Alabama to complete his post graduate training and Fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at UAB School of Medicine where he was appointed the Chief Resident and Instructor in Medicine during his final year of training.
In 1979, he established Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants, the first pulmonary medical practice in Montgomery. During his distinguished career, Fred served as the Chief of Staff for
both St. Margaret’s Hospital and Baptist Medical Center South, President of the Alabama Thoracic Society, President of the American Lung Association, President of the Medical Society of Montgomery County, member of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Board of Directors and numerous other leadership positions at Baptist Medical Center South and in the medical community.
Fred had a servant’s heart and although he elected not to pursue the path of becoming a priest, he found other ways to serve. A devout Catholic, he was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Holy Sepulchre. Through the years, he devoted much of his time supporting Parochial schools in Montgomery and was instrumental in efforts to provide funding for these organizations. He also held leadership positions in many other community charities in Montgomery.
Fred worked hard and played hard making the most of his leisure time with family and friends.
He was always soaking up the world, looking for beauty on every level whether he was fishing with friends, spending time on the coast with family, traveling, or enjoying Auburn Football.
Fred once wrote in a eulogy for a close friend, “A saint is someone that can give us a glimpse of who we can be, what we can become. As a doctor I am reminded that patients will not always remember what you said, or what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” He had a gift for making one feel that they had real value whether he was dealing with a patient, co-worker, friend or family member. The story of Fred’s life was told by the way he lived his life, the inspiration that he provided, and the compassion that he exhibited for all that were fortunate enough to have been a part of that life. His presence will certainly be missed and he leaves this world a better place for having been here.
Visitation will be held at Leak Memory Chapel on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, from 5pm. to 7 pm. Memorial Services will be held at Church of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8570 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, Alabama, on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 1 pm.
The family wishes to thank the partners and staff of Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants for their friendship, dedication and support over the last 39 years and in particular, Janet Moore, who was with Fred since the opening of the practice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. Peter Catholic Church or Boy’s Town or the charity of one’s choice.
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