Jeff is best known in the community as “Coach” due to his decades-long leadership of the Powell Panthers Basketball Organization. He began coaching in 1965, and in 2005, Powell High School celebrated his stellar career and dedication to his players by naming the gym at the high school the “Jeff Hunter Gymnasium.” His team reached the Final Four of the state tournament in 1989, in addition to numerous appearances in the Elite Eight throughout his career. After his retirement, Jeff returned to Powell High School to coach the Freshman team, sharing his love of the game with yet another generation of young men. During his retirement years, he was often found reminiscing at Humphammer’s Market and Deli where they affectionately referred to him as the “Mayor of Powell.”
Jeff is survived by his sister, Barbara Hunter Luke (Henry); his brother, David Hunter (Beverly); his sister-in law, Lisa Purcell Hunter; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with numerous players and coaches. Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Gail Borden Hunter, his parents, and his brother, Steve Hunter.
A Celebration of Life for both Jeff and Gail Hunter will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at First Baptist Powell, 7706 Ewing Road. The family will receive friends before the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gail Hunter Memorial Band Scholarship at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. UT Pride of the Southland Band, 1741 Volunteer Boulevard, 227 Natalie L Haslam Music Center, Knoxville, TN 37996-2605. http://giving.utk.edu/hunter
DONATIONS
Gail Hunter Memorial Band Scholarship at the University of Tennessee1741 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-2605
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