Richard "Dickie" Hunt passed away peacefully late in the night on April 13, 2019 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Louise, his two sons Steve (Peggy) and Jim (Molly), and the love of his life, grandson Cooper. Richard was a Jacksonville Firefighter from August 1963 thru September 1996 and retired as District Chief.
Dickie was a native Floridian, born in Lakeland. After graduation from Andrew Jackson High School Jacksonville in 1955, he married his sweetheart, Louise. He joined the Marines and was stationed in California, where his young wife joined him. After his discharge from the Marines, they returned to Jacksonville where he fulfilled his dream of becoming a firefighter. He loved his job and had a distinguished firefighting career which culminated in his 33 year retirement at the rank of District Chief. During his career, he served on the very first hazmat team for JFRD based out of Station #9 (Feb 1977) and spent much of his time advocating for better protective equipment for the firefighters. Throughout his years with JFRD, he was instrumental in advancing the benefits extended to our firefighters, such as medical and retirement benefits. He also participated in The Shriner's, which may be best known for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the red fezzes that members wear.
For many years, on his days off from firefighting, he owned and operated a small real estate brokerage firm on the north side of Jacksonville. When his sons were out of school for the summer, he would also take his family to spend time together at a small lake house he purchased on Hall Lake near Keystone Heights, FL.
After his retirement from JFRD, he remained close to his firefighting buddies, and often went on fishing trips, as well as other travel. He participated many times in the annual Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament and the Florida Keys mini lobster season, and even made a few trips to Alaska for salmon fishing.
He had a fierce love for his sons Steve and Jim, and readily welcomed their wives into the family when that time came. His daughters-in-law could melt his heart just by saying hello. Then, in 2009, he was blessed with his first, and only, grandchild who rocked his world. No matter what, Cooper Hunt always brought a smile to his Papa's face. From that point on, Cooper became the focus of Dick's attention.
Over the past few years, some of the side effects of his firefighting career began to take a toll on his health, forcing him to give up some of the activities he had always enjoyed. Fortunately, he had a loving family to spend time with, and an especially wonderful wife beside him right up to the end. His journey on this earth has ended, and he was a fighter the whole way through.
Dick was not one for big, fancy ceremonies. As such, he chose to forego the traditional firefighter's send off. So, the family will be having a simple, private memorial service to honor his wishes, and his memory. But if you're so inclined, tip back a shot of Lord Calvert whiskey in his honor (or a piece of chocolate cake, if you prefer).
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