Bill Hunter, known as Coach Hunter to many, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Highland Baptist Church, 3014 Maple Avenue, preceded by a 1 p.m. graveside service Sunday at China Spring Cemetery.
Coach Hunter was born March 25, 1937 in Coleman to Richard Earl Hunter and Mary McCorkle Hunter. He graduated from Odessa High School and Howard Payne University, where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in education. Coach Hunter taught and coached in Texas schools for almost 50 years including in Mozell, North Junior, Waco High, Center, Hamilton, China Spring, Valley Mills and Parkview.
He met his wife, Kathy, while they were teaching at Waco High in 1969 and were married Aug. 8, 1970. His children proudly followed in his steps in education. Paula teaches at Tarleton State University and Wesley is a coach and teacher at Grapevine High School. Coach Hunter leaves a legacy of faith and love to his family and to the many that he impacted in teaching and coaching through the years.
Coach Hunter is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Waco; daughter, Paula McKeehan and husband, Clint, of Stephenville; son, Wesley Hunter and wife, Johanna, of Keller; grandchildren, Megan and Aidyn McKeehan and Skylar Hunter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Coach Hunter's name to the Coaches Outreach, 1720 Regal Row, Suite 152, Dallas, TX 75235
March 25, 1937 - May 16, 2013
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From David Holland:
Coach Bill Hunter passed away this past week. I talked with him nearly every Sunday at church. One would never know his health was failing. He always had a smile and was very thankful for being invited to our reunion. Keep Him and His family in your prayers. "Take'em Tiger"
Randy Willis
Robert Strickland (WHS 1970-Richfield '72) Posted Sunday, May 19, 2013 03:40 PM When I was at North Waco Junior High I met Coach Hunter in 1978 and he was cool and told me I should play football. Heck fire, I was small but I could run. I later went on to Waco High and thought wow... what a small world is this? He wasn't just a coach with a cool disposition, but he was a great encourager of morale to the underdog as in sports, health and saving my butt from the vengeful Johnny Riola and his assortment of paddles.
God has called a good man home and this world has lost a good friend to all who came within his influence.
Prissy Slough Brawner Posted Sunday, May 19, 2013 04:17 PM Coach Hunter was my Student Driving Education teacher. He was so kind and patient. He will be missed.
Tino Barreiro Posted Sunday, May 19, 2013 10:56 PM My prayers and thoughts to Coach Hunter's family.
I met Coach Hunter at North Junior and played football and ran track under his coaching. No only was he a great coach, but more important he was a great person -- that set a wonderful example to all who knew him or were coached by him.
He taught us we could move forward and "achieve our goals" no matter what obstacles or circumstances we faced.
Jean Ann Robinette Rodriguez Posted Monday, May 20, 2013 08:34 AM I had Coach Hunter as a Texas History teacher at North Junior. At the time, I did not realize that Texas history was that great of a subject, but, Mr. Hunter instilled that thought process that the history of Texas was so interesting. I started buying Texas history books for my grandson (he's 7 ) and for myself so that I could pass that on to him. Mr. Hunter made and continues to makes me proud of the history of this great state we live in. I think of him often when my grandson wants to talk "history" with me. He was a great and compassionate teacher and human being. It was good to see him at the reunion and remembering all those times years ago. He was an inspiration to all. God bless this great man.
Charles Olsen Posted Monday, May 20, 2013 09:34 PM I talked to Kathy on Monday night and gave my condolences. She said he went fast and was glad of that. I hope that all will say prayers for the family.
Deborah Rochell DeLillo Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2013 07:46 PM I will always remember Coach Hunter. He was my government teacher at Waco High School. I always thought he was one of the best teachers I had. He was very kind and patient with all of us teenagers. I can remember him and Miss Kathy Burns (Mrs. Hunter) talking in the hall in between classes. I knew Mrs. Hunter before I even went to Waco High because she was a year ahead of my sister. I had at that time Miss Burns for bookkeeping. After high school, several years went by and I met up with Mr and Mrs Hunter again. There son was the same age as my son and went to the same school in China Spring. It was such a blessing to know them once again and they had a wonderful son, Wesley, which turned out to be a very good friend of my son.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Hunter, Wesley, Paula and the entire family. I know you will miss him, but we also know that one day we will all reunite together in Heaven.
Love and Prayers, Deborah (Rochelle) DeLillo
Jackie Byrd Watson Posted Monday, June 3, 2013 I was so saddened to read of Coach Hunter's passing. He was such a sweet and kind man. I did have him for one of my classes. I remember he was a soft spoken gentleman. I was so thrilled when he married one of our WHS teacher's. I thought that was the best. My heart goes out to the Hunter family.
We are so thankful that Coach and Mrs Hunter were guest at out 40th WHS class reunion.
James Weaver ('71 Richfield)
Coach Hunter was a great person and always treated us with respect at North Junior High School. I know it's been a long time since his passing but I wanted to show my respect.
Bob McGregor
Even after all these years. I often think of Coach and Mrs. Hunter. Both were wonderful examples for all of us. In life, we are blessed to have significant persons cross our paths. They were those kind of persons. Sometimes it is not until you are older, like we all are now, before you realize just how important others really are. I had Coach at NJHS and WHS. Brenda had Miss Kathy at WHS. I pray Mrs. Kathy and family are well and had a good life in the years since Coach Huntet passed over. Blessings in 2024. Thanks to all for remembrances of the Hunters.