Mack Alvin Hunter, 82, of Sylmar, CA, passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2018, of complications from stomach sarcoma.
He was born on July 1, 1935 in Richland, Texas, to Theresa (Hervey) and Burks Hunter.
After graduating from Dogan High School in 1954, Mack enlisted in the U.S. Navy and received an Honorable Discharge after serving six years.
He was employed by Caltrans (Division of Highways) for 32 years and retired in 1997.
He was a Reserve Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department from 1972 to 1995.
Following his retirement, Mack worked for Enterprise Rent-a-Car to keep busy.
He then turned his attention to volunteering his time driving cancer patients to and from appointments and treatments for the American Cancer Society. He was also active in the American Cancer Society’s yearly Relays for Life, alone with Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Lupus walks.
He was active in LAPD’s Neighborhood Watch Program and spearheaded many civic changes to better his community.
He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in San Fernando for over 40 years where he served on the Senior Usher Board, a position he loved dearly.
Mack was married to Betty Jean for 52 years and lovingly cared for her during her 14-year battle with Alzheimer’s. She preceded him in death in October 2017.
Mack was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Morris L. Mitchell.
He is survived by daughters, Delana Hunter of Oakland, California; Elease Hunter of Medford, Oregon; and Jacquelyn Stanley and her husband Jack of Clackamas, Oregon; his feline children Sackie and Smokey; grandson William Hunter; nieces Chrysandra English and Pamela Scales Honore; first cousins Minnie Lee and Emma Jean; godsons Andrew J. Henderson II and David Henderson; brother-in-laws Alfred (Pete) Peterson and Edward G. (Jerry) Blackstone; and his best friend Janet Knolhoff; along with many other relatives, friends, and former co-workers.
A Celebration with Friends was held Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of San Fernando, California.
Internment followed at Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, California.
Serving as Pallbearers were William Hunter, Edward Blackstone, Andrew Henderson, Andrew Henderson II, David Henderson, Jack Stanley, Sidney Thompson, and Woodrow English.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. When prompted, enter: Elease Hunter.
