John William Hunt

John William Hunt Sr. passed away in peace on Tuesday May 31, 2016. He was 90 years in age and led a rich and fulfilling life. He was, first and foremost, a Christian, and he applied those principles in every facet of his life.

“Papa John” was born on April 29, 1926 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, attended Classen High School, The University of Oklahoma, and The Wharton School of Business. He served his country during World War II as a waist gunner in Squadron "S" 326th Army Air Forces Base Unit attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was in a B-17 flying missions over the English Channel and enemy lines.

After the war, he began what would be a remarkable business career punctuated by 40 years of service to the Alexander and Alexander Insurance Company and countless hours of advice rendered to Fortune 500 companies.

He was a loyal supporter of many causes, most notably CONTACT of Winston Salem, World Neighbors, The Rotary Club, Metropolitan Opera, University of Oklahoma, Vanderbilt University, Winston Salem Foundation, Centenary United Methodist Church, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

He was also a true lover of the game of golf and the fellowship it provided. He traveled extensively and played many of the world's greatest courses. He was a member of Allegheny Country Club, The Country Club of North Carolina, and Oldtown Club. He was a founding member of a friendly Amateur Ryder Cup competition and enjoyed numerous trips to England, Ireland, and Scotland to play.

He is survived and will be deeply missed by his 3 boys John William Hunt, Jr. Matthew Blair Hunt (Celeste) and Kevin Patrick Harper, his grandchildren John William "Will" Hunt III (Jordan), Stuart Harden Hunt. Hallie Joanne Hunt, Joanne "Joey" Hunt, Henry Blair Hunt, Joanne "Joy" Jones, Hillary Elizabeth Molitor, Thomas Harper, sister in law Jacqueline Schwab Hunt, great granddaughter Molly Elizabeth Molitor, his beloved nieces and nephews, Dick Lowry (Patsy), Julie Lowry Taylor (Bud), Junie Lowry Johnson (Bill), Hunt Lowry (Christine).

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert Clarence Hunt and Essie Hayden Hunt, his brother Albert Clarence (AC) Hunt, and sister Elizabeth Hayden Lowry.

Services will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 11:00 am. A memorial service to be held in Winston Salem, NC on a date to be determined. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John William Hunt to World Neighbors, P.O. Box 270058, Oklahoma City, OK 73137-0058 or online at wn.orgArrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.