Charles Foster Hunnicutt, 86, died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at The Davis Community.
He was born April 15, 1933, in Raleigh, the son of Omega Foster and Mary Jones Hunnicutt, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Wilmington and was a graduate of New Hanover High School, Class of 1951. An avid tennis player, he was once a city champion. In 1952, at the age of 19, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served honorably and was discharged in 1956. Upon returning to Wilmington, Charles met, fell in love and married Lucy M. Groot. He then started a family together with her.
He was a graduate of Wilmington College, now UNC-Wilmington, Appalachian State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from East Carolina University. Charles was an educator in New Hanover County Schools, including Tileston and Chestnut, before moving to Cape Fear Community College and retiring there as director of admissions in 1987. Charles co-wrote the UNC-Wilmington alma mater song, which is still in use today.
Charles was a faithful, lifetime member of Temple Baptist Church, where he and Lucy enjoyed an active church life. They especially loved being part of the choir. Lucy preceded him in death December 2018.
Surviving are two sons, Jeff Hunnicutt, and his wife, Caroline, and Steven Hunnicutt, and his wife, Terri; four grandchildren, Eric M. Hunnicutt, Alec G. Hunnicutt, Noah G. Hunnicutt and Carly Bussman, all of Wilmington; two sisters, Jean Ellis and Sarah Phillips of Wilmington; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was a kind, generous, honest hardworking man with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family, genealogy, church, travel and spending time with his grandchildren, of which he was particularly proud. We love him more than words can express and will miss him dearly.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers, doctors and medical staff at Comfort Keepers, The Davis Community, the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center and The Senior Health Center for the wonderful care they provided to him this past year.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, at the sanctuary of Temple Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
