Obituary

Charles “June” Hunter Sr

Sunset January 21, 2022

Charles Hunter, Sr. was born in Arkansas to Dewey & Mary Hunter. He was compassionate, kind, caring and beloved by all he encountered.   He was a man of great integrity, devoted to his family, faith (Church of Christ), friends and the Marine Corps.  He lived his life in a way that garnered respect and was a guiding light for others.

He is a graduate of Garfield High School where he played on the football and baseball teams and played saxophone in the band.

He and the love of his life, Alice Mae were married for 57 years before her death.  They built an amazing life together, raised three successful children, Charles Jr, Natalie & Stephanie. Charles and Alice Mae were actively involved in the lives of their grand and great grandchildren.

Charles served in the United States Marine Corps and was Honorably Discharged at the level of Sergeant.  His devotion to the Marine Corps was so intense that after surviving a land mine blast and 9-month recovery period, he went back to active duty.  His service medals include, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal & Good Conduct Medal. He was also a Drill Sargent, which he absolutely loved!  He would often practice those drills with his kids, especially at bedtime!

He was the first Black-African-American Melting Foreman for the Steel Making Unit at Bethlehem Steel. He was specifically selected because of the way he carried himself at work. He would often bring home statutes that he created at the steel mill.   After retiring from the steel mill, he worked and retired from the American Red Cross where he received national honors for his work there.

Dad was a man of great faith and was very knowledgeable about and loved engaging in conversations on biblical scripture. He was truly devoted to the Church of Christ and his religion.    Many would consult with him when they were having difficulties and he’d always help them through it. As a long time, member in the church, he was responsible for handling the church’s financial responsibilities and did a lot of mentoring to its members.

While in Arkansas, Charles his brother Joe, sister Dorothy and cousins Ollie Belle & Georgia called themselves the 5 Musketeers!  They had a special bond that lasted throughout their years and they continued to look out for each other.

Charles loved blues music and he loved the music of Mavis Staples.  His way of chilling out was to sit back and listen to that music for hours. He also loved visiting his brothers, sisters and children. In his family he was called “June” , “Uncle June” and of course “Grand-Daddy” and “Papa”.

Charles, his brother Joe & sister-in-law Olive ran Hunter’s Garage.  Hunter’s was a staple in the CD’s Black community!

He, his wife Alice, brother Joe & sister-in-law Ethel spent a lot of time traveling all over the United States to the Hunter-Ross family reunions. They would always have their grandchildren with them.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was loved by and dedicated to his family, always stepping in and helping out when and where he was needed. Not only was he a patriarch in is own family, but in his wife’s family as well.  He was a great son, father, brother, uncle and cousin who left a fond memory in all those he encountered.

He was preceded in death by his Wife: Alice Mae, Daughter: Michelle, Parents: Dewey & Mary, Brothers: Ardess, James & Joe, Sisters: Mae & Margaret, Cousins:  Ollie Belle and Georgia.

He leaves behind Children: Charles Jr, Natalie, Stephanie (Mickey); Grandchildren: Monique, Jason, Denise, Charles III, Nathaniel, Tia and Cole; Great-grandchildren: Daianna, Amani, Denzel, Cordell, Chanel & Aiyana; Sisters: Dorothy, Barbara (Ben), Evelyn, Faye (Alford); Sister-In Law: Olive.

Services will be held at

Holgate Church of Christ 2600 South Holgate St Seattle, WA 98144

Viewing services 10:30am
Funeral services 11am

Graveside and military honors will be presented at Greenwood Memorial Park 350 Monroe Ave Ne Renton, WA 98056