Ray was born to this world on July 1, 1934 in Winnsboro Texas to the late Guy and Augusta Hunt. In high school he met and then married the late Barbara Joann Blundell, his soul mate for 64 years. Together they received their college education and worked in Dallas before moving to Tyler in 1956 to start their family.
Ray became a first responder before the expression existed by joining the City of Tyler Fire Department as a fire fighter, engine driver, scuba diver, mobile rescuer, and life saver. During his 20 years of service Ray was appointed to be certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons as an instructor for various types of emergency care, U.S. Department of the Army for Explosive Ordinance Reconnaissance, Texas State Department of Health for Initial Emergency Care/Transportation and Radiological Monitoring, Texas Eastern University for Occupational Safety and Health and Industrial Environmental Problems, Red Adair Safety and Training Division for Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Supervision, and as an affiliate member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He also received recognitions from The American National Red Cross for over 2000 volunteer training hours in the activities of first aid, small craft and water safety programs, and the American Heart Association for service in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Among many things, Ray enjoyed camping, boating, fishing and quail hunting. He also enjoyed being a scout master and a baseball coach. Ray and Joann, with fellow beloved members of the former Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler enjoyed yearly camping vacations to various locations to help construct churches.
Ray will be greeted in eternity by his loving mother, wife Joann, and other family members including twin brother Roy and wife Mary Lynn, and brother Buford and wife Dorothy. Left to continue his blessings are son Tim and Robin Hunt of Tyler; daughter Tammy and Marc Lemons of Brownsboro, his preciously loved grandchildren given by his son and daughter: Jennifer (Brandon) Waters, Jeremy Laningham, Lauren (John) Turner, his cherished great grandchildren Addison, Brooklyn, Bennett, Callie, Julianne and James, and numerous loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Ray's life will be celebrated in the chapel of Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler with visitation at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM on Monday 9/20/2021, officiated by Reverend Dr. Chris Pulliam of First Christian Church Tyler. Following, his body will be escorted by the Tyler Fire Department and laid to rest at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery by Reverend Danny Bristow, Tyler Fire Department Chaplain.
Pallbearers are fellow Winnsboro and firefighter friend Jerry Scott, grandson Jeremy Laningham with great grandson Bennett, nephew Joel Denton, great nephew Weston Gorman, and grandsons-in-law John Turner and Brandon Waters. Honorary pallbearers are the fraternity of passed, retired and active City of Tyler Firefighters.
Ray and his family wish to thank the staff from Hospice of East Texas and the staff of Bluebonnet Point Wellness Center in Bullard, especially Pam Gipson, Charlene Armstrong, Itzy Martinez, Valerie Vines, and Aveli Adame. They all became part of our family by their heartfelt care and love for Ray. In spite of the present trials we endure, they were all the best.
Any gift in remembrance of Ray's life will be appreciated by him and the family if sent to
Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler TX 75701, and/or the Tyler Fire Department, 1718 W. Houston, Tyler TX 75702 to fund any TFD community commitment of yours or their choice.
Glory be to God for blessing us all with His love, and for His gifts provided through Ray Hunt.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Hunt family.
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