Obituary of John Wesley Hunter

       On September 18, 1936, Jesus shined his light on Henry “Jodie” and Lettishen (Webb) Hunter with the birth of baby boy John Wesley Hunter.  God’s goodness allowed him to share love, memories and laughter for eighty-seven years and ten months upon this earth.  The dash between his birth and death defined his divine assignment.

       John was born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas, where he sacrificed his education in order to help to provide for his family.  As a young man, he aspired to become a baseball player prior to a dream-shattering injury.  Shortly afterwards, his greatest inspiration was in becoming hard-working, resilient, family-oriented, and genuine as his father.  John maintained employment at Magnolia School District, serving as a bus driver and later as groundskeeper.

       John found love and married Olie Mae Hunter.  Despite no children being born to this union , he assisted his parents with raising his nieces and nephew as well as great-nieces and nephew. Upon the death of his father, John became his mother’s caregiver for nearly twenty years, all the while working two jobs.  He fathered his face and personality in two sons, William “Paul” Hunter and Victor “2Biggie” Wyrick.  “Shug” is the grandfather to three granddaughters and great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren.  

     John enjoyed watching baseball (Texas Rangers), westerns, and wrestling.  He was most excited about dominoes, dogs, fussing, women and more women. He didn’t bite his lip or hold his tongue and stood “ten toes down” on his values, principles and beliefs.  He carried himself as a warrior, fighting for right is right and wrong is wrong.  Despite his lack of formal education, John showed himself to be mentally strong.  He watched and assisted all of his siblings with their spiritual transitions.  His strength never wavered. He kept on keeping on.  John departed his assignment, encouraging us all to keep on keeping on.

     Preceded by his parents, and all of his siblings, he leaves cherished memories with his two sons, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of friends.

In lieu of flowers, cards, and monetary gifts, the family of John W. "Shug" Hunter, requests that you feed/assist a child, homeless person or stray animal. Thank you.