Matthew "Matt" Hunt

Matthew "Matt" Hunt, 44, of Hampstead, North Carolina, passed away on March 10, 2026, doing what he loved most in this world. Born on May 2, 1981, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Roscoe and Darleen Hunt. Matt lived a life defined by courage, generosity, and an unshakable determination to chase every adventure the world had to offer.

Matt grew up in Battle Creek, where he cherished the loving relationship with his mother, whether it be home cooked meals or helping her with puppet shows for children. He developed a deep pride in his upbringing and the skills passed down to him from his father and grandfather. Those early lessons in hard work and craftsmanship stayed with him for life, shaping the man he would become. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business and went on to build an impressive 18-year career in banking. But anyone who knew Matt knew that a desk job, no matter how successful, was never going to be enough to satisfy the fire inside him.

Matt had been a scuba diver for 31 years, falling in love with the water at a young age and never looking back. That passion eventually led him to take the leap of a lifetime, founding Black Water Recovery Divers. He poured his heart into that business, and nothing brought him more joy than calling home to share the latest success story or wild dive with his family and friends. He was a man who could and would solve any problem, large or small, always with a smile on his face.

Beyond the water, Matt's life was rich with the things that truly matter. He cherished motorcycle rides and spontaneous day dates with his wife, Molly, and teaching his daughter Olivia, skills, kindness, boating, and all about megalodon teeth. He was the kind of man who turned his backyard tiki bar into a gathering place for the people he loved, who savored family time and boat rides down the Intracoastal Waterway, and who found peace sitting outside with a cold beer or a bourbon, soaking in the beauty of the natural world around him. He was a welder, a woodworker, a creator. He was a camper, a backpacker, and an adventurer in every sense of the word. Above all, he was a beloved husband and father who left this earth knowing he had built a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Matt is survived by his devoted wife, Molly Hunt; his daughter, Olivia Ring; his sons, Jackson Hunt and Lincoln Hunt; his daughter, Eva Hunt; his parents, Darleen and Roscoe Hunt; and his brother, Ted Hunt. Each of them carries a piece of his enormous heart.

Matt lived his life as a devout Christian, and his family takes great comfort in knowing he is

resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior. He lived with the kind of faith that wasn't just spoken but demonstrated through his patience, his kindness, and his generous spirit toward everyone he encountered.

Matt once said, "When you're on your deathbed, you are going to regret the things that you did not do way more than the things you did do. And that's what I was afraid of. I was afraid of being 75 years old, sitting at home, retired and look back and say, why the hell didn't I  just give it a shot? You know, it could have been great. I could fall on my face, you know, but at least, at least do it, at least try something. And I've always had that burn, that desire."

He gave it a shot. And it was great.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel, 17730 Hwy 17N, Hampstead, North Carolina 28443, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Bobby Owings. A Celebration of Life potluck will follow at Matt's Tiki Bar, Hampstead, NC. Come as you are, bring a dish, and raise a glass to a life lived without regret.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Matt's memory, which go directly to support his wife, Molly, and his daughter, Olivia, may be made through the following link https://gofund.me/66347b5be

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