Billy Hunter

The loving life of Mr. Billy L. Hunter heard the voice of the Lord and entered eternal life with Him on July 25, 2024. Billy was born on November 21, 1939, to the parents of Zeola Jones and Grady L. Hunter, Sr. in Dalark, Arkansas. 

Billy was a graduate of Sparkman High School. After graduating high school, Billy lived in various states and worked several fulfilling years as an armed security guard in Camden, Arkansas. In 1970, he married Edna Wright and to this union they had two handsome sons, Prentiss Renard and LeClayton Boyer. 

Billy was very charismatic, loving, social and always greeted everyone with a smile. He had a distinctive but intangible quality that seemed to surround him along with his impeccable attire. It’s undeniable that Billy’s loving smile and presence changed the atmosphere upon entering any room. 

Billy accepted Christ at an early age at Piney Grove Baptist Church. He moved his membership to First Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas under the leadership of Rev. L.A. Craig. As a member of First Baptist Church, he enjoyed attending Sunday School, singing in the men’s choir and supporting his church in any capacity. Billy was unapologetically and unashamed of his personal testimony of how God changed his life. He would often testify to a song written by Tremaine Hawkins entitled, “Changed”. He had an unquenchable fire, zest and love for God. His mission was to save souls for Christ and minister the word of God to the sick, brokenhearted and oppressed. Billy was enamored with the word of God and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches. He was confident that the joy of the Lord was his strength. 

His favorite songs were, “Wonderful and A Change GonnaCome” by Sam Cooke, “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” by the Temptations and classic ballads by The Whispers and Marvin Gaye. 

Billy was welcomed to his eternal home by his parents, Zeola Jones Newburn and Grady L. Hunter, Sr., step-father, Joseph Vann Newborn, brothers, Clarence Harris, Winfred Harris, Joe Louis Hunter, Grady L. Hunter, Jr., his only sister, Yvonne Hunter, sister-in-law, Mae Lois Brim-Harris (“Puddin”), grandson, Prentiss R. Hunter, Jr. and son Pernell “Punch” Hunter-Gaines. 

Billy leaves to cherish his precious memories: his sons, Prentiss Hunter, Sr. (Cindy), LeClayton Boyer’ Hunter , Gregory Hunter (Charlotte), daughter, TaJuana Hunter, three grandchildren, Ashley LaVine (Ashton), Sanai Hunter and Madisyn Hunter, three great-grandchildren, Anaiya Ford, Amari Ford, Laila Nelson, and one brother, Douglas Jones (Doretha) in Fort Wayne, IN, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. 

Billy’s presence may be gone from this earth, but he is resting peacefully and comfortably with his Savior. 

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9