Gavin Hunter Sr., 99, a native of Battles Wharf and longtime resident of Fairhope, passed away in his sleep in the presence of family at his Magnolia Beach bayfront home on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013 following a brief illness.
Mr. Hunter was born to Gavin and Tep Warren Hunter at their Battles Wharf summer home on Oct. 13, 1914.
His ancestors, James and Robert Hunter, immigrated from Scotland to Mobile. They partnered with Lord Arthur Benn of England to establish the Hunter, Benn & Co. that became one of the largest international exporters and merchants of Southern pine timber during the early 1900s.
Mr. Hunter spent his childhood in Mobile and summered at Battles Wharf.
He was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church.
As a youth, Mr. Hunter was involved with the family timber business, being employed by Swift-Hunter Lumber Co. in Atmore.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Hunter married Helene Beiser of Fairhope in May 1938. They enjoyed a long, happy marriage spanning 72 years that ended upon her passing in 2010.
Mr. Hunter was a well-known Fairhope businessman owning the first coin-operated laundries on the Eastern Shore. He also owned Hunter’s News Stand, that was the first to carry Hallmark Cards in Fairhope.
Mr. Hunter was a Century Heritage member of the Fairhope Yacht Cub. He was the first member brought into the club after it was incorporated in May 1942. Mr. Hunter served as a vice commodore in the club’s early years. He competitively sailed star and fish class boats in regattas.
Following his ancestors who had introduced golf to Mobile, Mr. Hunter was an avid golfer and closely followed the sport. He also enjoyed tennis, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Mr. Hunter was a former Fairhope city councilman, plus member of the American Legion, Elks and Quail Creek Golf Club.
Mr. Hunter was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Marian Hunter Burke and Anne Hunter Manci; grandson, Gavin “Gee” Hunter; and his wife.
He is survived by his children, Suzanne Gilmore Cummings (Jack), Gavin Hunter Jr. (Lynda) and Kathleen Sharpe Gordon (Don), all of Fairhope.
Mr. Hunter is also survived by his past daughter-in-law, Betsy Hunter; grandchildren, Steven Gilmore (Kay), Tep Denmark (Butch), David Gilmore, Kit Wright (Brian), Paige Tully (Matthew) and Clay Sharpe (Elizabeth); 11 great-grandchildren; plus nieces and nephews.
The Hunter family wishes to express special thanks to Angela, Deloris, Alice, Buster, Lynn and Abram of We Care Private Sitting Services of Mobile, along with the AseraCare Hospice of Mobile staff for their loving care and assistance in providing companionship and nursing to Mr. Hunter at home.
Mr. Hunter was a true family man who loved and was totally devoted to his wife and children. Cremation was by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, with the ashes interred in Montrose Cemetery. Private family services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mr. Hunter’s name be made to the Fairhope Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program.
