Richard (Rich) John Hunter

Richard John Hunter January 25, 1952—-February 24, 2025 Richard (Rich) John Hunter passed away Monday; February 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. Rich is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sara (Sally) Hunter; his sister Kathy and brother-in-law, Jim; his brother Jerry and sister-in-law Ruby. A favorite uncle to many, Rich is survived by nephews Paul Murphy, Richard Hunter (Abbey), Erik Hunter (Lauryn), Jeremy Toner and Grey Culbreth Jr., as well as nieces Jackie Russo (Chris), Danielle Jewel (Kyle), Alexa and Layla Toner, and great nieces and nephews Kaitlyn, Kristina and Kathleen Russo, Charlie, Ellie and Margot Hunter, and Holly and Henry Jewel. Predeceased by his loving parents, Gerald and Marie Hunter, Rich grew up on Long Island, in Uniondale, NY. From his earliest years, Rich displayed exceptional athletic skills and excelled across multiple sports, lettering as a varsity player in baseball, football and basketball. Following graduation, Rich continued to play for several years in competitive softball. As a teen, Rich also picked up a golf club for the first time, leading to a lifelong passion for, and excellence in, the Game. In 1970, Rich was drafted into the U.S. Army and served overseas in Germany. Throughout his life he remained proud of having served his country, as did his father, a combat veteran of WWII. Upon his return to the US, Rich held several jobs before landing a career-long position with the Long Island Railroad. As a trackman, a physically demanding job, Rich’s innate physical conditioning, along with his grit, loyalty and commitment, made him a valued colleague to his fellow workers, eventually retiring in 2003. Following retirement, Rich and Sally settled in Murrells Inlet, SC. Playing golf almost every day, they met several other like-minded people who eventually become good friends. Their enjoyment of the life in Murrells Inlet ultimately influenced several family members to join them, including his mother and father, Kathy and Jim, Mary and Grey and a host of visiting out-of-towners that they were always keen to host. Growing up in a family of great cooks, Rich knew his way around the kitchen as well as he did around the course. His Italian meat sauce, and unique role as the family’s “Racletteer”, preparing and melting the cheese of a very special recipe from the Swiss side of the family, were legendary. Of course, as “Racletteer”, a part of his responsibility was to drink a lot of wine while serving the meal, and Rich, like most things in his life, excelled at that too. Rich’s legacy will be his love and commitment to his family. Rich and Sally both loved to travel to family and to entertain family in their home. Rich’s passing leaves a hole in our family that we will try to fill with our memories of him and by continuing his legacy of family first. Visitation and a remembrance of Rich will be held at Goldfinch Funeral Home, located at 11528 Highway 17, Murrell Inlet, SC from 4-6pm, Thursday, February 27, 2025. Interment will be at Florence National Cemetery on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rich’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, is assisting the family.

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Richard (Rich) John Hunter

January 25, 1952 - February 24, 2025