Rebecca Ballard Hunter (Bec), 93, of Oxford passed away peacefully at Abbey Hospice of Social Circle on Tuesday, January 6, 2015.
Bec was born in Oxford and graduated from Covington High School where she starred on the basketball court. While in college, she joined the U.S. Signal Corps, contributing to her nation’s war effort by wiring the communications systems in tanks. In this capacity she met her husband, Warren, and ultimately became a math teacher, teaching high school mathematics wherever Warren’s civil service assignments moved them. As a result, Bec touched the lives of countless friends and students from Alaska to Alabama. In retirement, Bec and Warren returned to her native Oxford, and she would later continue to teach as a substitute in various Newton County schools until her mid 80s. With the passing of her husband in 1981, Bec occupied her time to the optimal benefit of her community.
In addition to teaching, she was a three term member of the Oxford City Council, a selflessly active member of North Covington United Methodist Church, and a tireless member of numerous other civic organizations. Even as an octogenarian, Bec would spend hours helping others at the Senior Citizen Center. Bec was preceded in death by her parents Robert Herschel and Eva Dorminey Ballard; husband Warren F. Hunter; sisters Annelle Foster and husband Ernest, and Mary Frank Fay and husband Gilbert; and granddaughter Stephanie Hunter. Bec is survived by brothers W.D. Ballard and wife Mary of Oxford, and Robert Ballard and wife Elsie of Conyers; sons Robert (Bob) Hunter and wife Carolyn of Conyers, Warren F. (Mac) Hunter of Oxford, and Richard S. Hunter of Mobile, Alabama. Bec is also survived by grandchildren Beth Washuta of Indiana, Victoria Dean of Madison, Shane Hunter of Oxford, Robin Hunter of Roswell, Erin Straub of Arizona, Will Hunter of Athens, Rusty Huggins of Social Circle, Kati Garcia of Florida, and Renee Sumner of Grayson.
Additionally, Bec is survived by many more great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A service will be held to celebrate the memory of Bec’s life at the former North Covington United Methodist (now called Connexion) Church, 5138 Emory St., Covington, GA at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10. Her ashes will be interred alongside her dear, late husband at a later date in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to either the United Methodist Children’s Home (500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030) or the Abbey Hospice Foundation (P.O. Box 68, Social Circle, GA 30025-0068). Online condolences may be expressed at www.wagesandsons.com
