Thomas “Bud” Dunlap Hunter III was born November 12, 1937 in Charlotte, NC and passed away Friday, July 1, 2016. He was the son of the late Mary Marvin and Thomas Dunlap Hunter, Jr.
As a young child, Bud came with his parents to Hendersonville where he attended local schools and graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1956.
While there, Bud was an outstanding athlete, leader and a friend to many. Bud graduated from Davidson College in 1960, and then served with the US Army Intelligence in South Korea.
Bud returned to Hendersonville to work in the family business, Hunter Chevrolet. He enjoyed the challenge of growing this business and being involved in the community.
Bud served as Vice-chairman of the Community Foundation, President of the Salvation Army, the YMCA and the Chamber of Commerce. Bud received a Life Time Achievement Award from the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Automobile Dealers’ as well as one from Hendersonville High School.
Bud had a life-long passion for the out-of-doors and conservation of the natural environment. He was a past chairman of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Nature Conservancy and served as a Director of the Natural Heritage Trust Fund of North Carolina.
He is survived by his wife, Randy, and his sons, Tom and Brad along with their wives and 4 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Thursday in St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville. A reception will follow the service.
In Bud’s memory, contributions may be made either to the North Carolina or Montana Chapter of Nature Conservancy.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family and the memorial register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
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