Willard Wood Hunt

After a short hospitalization for pneumonia, Willard Wood Hunt (Will) passed away on November 29, 2023, in Birmingham, AL. Born in New York City in 1928, the middle of three sons of Maurice Hunt and Elsie Artus, Will attended Lafayette High School (Buffalo, NY), spent four years in the Navy during the Korean Conflict, married his childhood sweetheart, Maryellen Gault (Meg)of Plymouth, MA in 1954, and graduated from Michigan State in 1956. He had a long career in insurance with two companies: Fireman's Fund and the Hanover Insurance Group. He and Meg raised five children: Kim, Greg, Bill, Jeff, and Jon.

At the age of 69, Will became a widower. When his son Bill and his family moved from Hartford, CT to Alabama in 1998, they encouraged Will to join them for a fresh start. Arriving in Birmingham, Will became an active congregant at St. Stephen’s Episcopal church and a volunteer at St. Vincent’s Hospital, serving as Treasurer the volunteer guild. He began to consider faith-based senior living communities, moving to Kirkwood in August, 2010. Initially Will enjoyed a busy social and travel schedule, and also became immersed in Kirkwood life, participating in the many outings and activities, taking an enthusiastic interest in the sing-alongs and talent shows.

In July, 2013, Will suffered a major stroke which landed him in Kirkwood’s Skilled Nursing facility. His Kirkwood friends supported and encouraged him in his recovery, helping him to reach his goal of returning to Independent Living. Known for his “Will power," he was able to remain in his independent apartment for another seven years. His Kirkwood friends would now become even dearer, as the stroke had taken away his ability to drive a car.

Having lost mobility on his left side, Will took to his wheelchair, remaining an active congregant at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Leeds. He was deeply appreciative of visits from Monica Carlson, pastor, and the friends who ensured that he got to services and events. His spiritual and social needs were supported by Richard Hanna, Kirkwood’s pastor, and Claudia Reach, Kirkwood’s director of activities. Among his many good friends at Kirkwood is Charlie Boyle, fellow New Yorker (at heart) and baseball fan.

While Will may have seemed like an open book with his affable and gregarious ways, these past few years presented challenges. His much idolized older brother, Gilbert Hunt, passed away in November, 2019. Less than a year later, his beloved younger brother, Dayton Hunt, died. Last February, Will mourned the passing of his brother-in-law, Robert Gault, Meg’s surviving brother and Will’s best friend.

In late 2020 at the age of 92, Will moved to Kirkwood’s Assisted Living where he found a special new friendship with Fanay Register. Fanay welcomed Will into her family and they very much enjoyed their time as a couple during Will’s last year.

Will is survived by his five children, eight grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and his dear sister-in-law, Barbara Gault, of Florida. A Memorial Service will be held at Kirkwood’s Chapel on Jan 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception. Will’s ashes will be brought to Plymouth, MA in May, 2024 for a graveside service.

Memories of Will and expressions of sympathy can be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pelham-al/willard-hunt-11561810