Donald Hunter

Donald J. Hunter, 73, of Gainesville, died Thursday, December 11, 2008, at New Horizons West Nursing Home, following an extended illness.

Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Albert Griffin and Sara Hunter Thompson. He was retired from the City of Gainesville and was a member of Free Chapel Worship Center. Mr. Hunter was preceded in death by his step-father, Junior Thompson; daughter, Mary Childers; brother, Ed Hunter; and grandson, Hunter Alexander Robbins.

Survivors include his loving wife, Martha Sheppard Hunter, Gainesville; daughters and sons-in-law, Kimbler and Norman Robbins, Barbara and Charles Wilburn, all of Gainesville; sons and daughters-in-law, James Edward and Nancy Shields, Billy Ray Shields, James Henry and Gail Shields, all of Gainesville, Ernest Shields, Wyoming, 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Emma and Charles Woods, Doris Mintz, Cheryl and Cedric Niles, Laurie and John Borders-Thompson, Ollie Stephens, Charity Wheeler, Annie Lois Browner, Carolyn Buffington, all of Gainesville, Conchita Shepard, Michigan, Shirley Borders, Jefferson, Gwendolyn Summers, Indiana, Gloria Mendal, New York; sister-in-law, Frankie Hunter, Gainesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph and Kathleen Thompson, Henry and Dell Thompson, Earl and Lydia Thompson, Ken and Evelyn Thompson, all of Gainesville; uncle, Joe Don Hunter, Riverside; aunts, Arlene Hunter and Mary Watkins, both of Gainesville; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 16, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, December 15, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.