Michael Roy Hunter

Michael Roy Hunter (Age75) of Acworth GA died peacefully in his sleep, at home on July 10, 2023. His family and friends will gather to celebrate his wonderful life, big heart, and incredible soul at a future date.

Mike was the beloved sweetheart of Maureen Ellen Derrig Hunter for fifty-seven years. Five days before his death, they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. He was the devoted daddy of Meredith Ann (Donald T. Jr.) Howard and Margaret Jane (Michael B.) Trujillo; the exuberant grampy of Tripp (Donald T. III) Howard, Connor Michael Howard and Nico C. Trujillo, all of Kennesaw GA; cherished brother of Thomas J. (Joy) Hunter of Haverhill MA and Patricia M. Duda (Walter) of Bolton VT, loving brother-at-last of Nancy J. Derrig of Springfield, IL, Catherine A. Derrig of Springfield IL and Deidre B. Hogan (Daniel P.) of Barrington IL, fond uncle of Roy T. Hunter of Manchester NH and many other nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces; as well as a caring cousin, neighbor and friend. Mike was preceded in death by his daughter Margaret Jane, his brother William George Hunter and his parents, Roy George Hunter, and Mary Ellen Johnson Hunter.

Mike was born on January 18, 1948, in Montpelier VT. He loved his hometown of Waterbury where he became an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, cum laude, from the University of Vermont. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Tennessee. Throughout his professional career, Mike worked in multiple exciting positions in a variety of high-tech corporations and was able to travel the world. He published scientific papers and represented the United States in the development of world-wide industry standards.

While he was doing this, Mike continued to play soccer if he could compete and then began coaching. He coached his daughter’s soccer teams for more than 12 years. He raised, fostered, showed, and played with many setters and other dogs, including his beloved Irish Setter, Gracie.

As with every other part of his life, Mike lived his retirement to its fullest. He, Maureen, and a setter or two traveled the US, mostly in their motor home. They toured every US state and all but one Canadian province and territory. (For their 50th Anniversary, they flew to the 50th state, Hawaii). They swam and kayaked wherever they could, including all five Great Lakes. Every year, they spent months on the Gulf Coast just beach walking, swimming, kayaking, reading, exploring, playing with the dogs and just being together. Someday, they hoped to move there.

His father-in-law, who loved Mike beyond measure, called him “a gentleman and a scholar.” Mike was. He was also an athlete, music lover, ardent learner, adventurer, jokester, and nature enthusiast, as well as an amazing family member and friend. Over and over, condolences about Mike include the word “kind.” He was a role model on how to take life and vigorously, but gently with others, run with it. Mike was a very proud member of Clan Hunter of Hunterston whose motto is Cursum Perficio (“I will finish the course”.) and he certainly did just that.

Our Mike lived an exceptionally full life, but it was still not long enough. His beautiful smile is just terribly missed, and he is deeply mourned.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.winkenhoferpineridgefuneralhome.com for the Hunter family.