Dale A. Hunter, 54
Dale A. Hunter, 54, of McDermott Ohio, passed away Thursday, 12 July 2012. Dale was born to parents Robert (Ray) and Audrey Hunter on 20 February, 1958, at Ft. Meade Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. His father was a warrant officer in the Army so Dale attended various military schools until the family settled in Miamisburg, Ohio in 1968. Dale was a 1976 graduate of Miamisburg High School.
Dale married the "love of his life," Joni L. Zimmerman, daughter of Robert and Barbara Zimmerman and a 1978 graduate of West Carrollton High School, on 19 August 1983. They began their life together in Miamisburg on 4th St. with their two children, Candy and Brian. Dale worked for the city of West Carrollton in maintenance repair and also for the Dayton Country Club as an Assistant Superintendent. He had a love for golf and the outdoors having worked as a teen for the Franklin Golf Course in maintenance and later becoming the course Superintendent in 1981. His passion for working in golf led the family to Portsmouth, Ohio (or God's country as Dale would say), where he assumed the job of Superintendent of the Elks Country Club in 1990 and subsequently became the General Manager. For the past 22 years, Dale dedicated countless hours to ensure the success of the club. He possessed an exemplary work ethic and had a "no nonsense" yet personable approach to managing people. Dale was a "hands on" manager and a talented problem solver who took on challenges of all kinds. Under his supervision the golf course was beautiful and well maintained at all times. Through his work at the club, he became a well-liked and respected member of the Portsmouth community. Dale was known as a nice guy who would do anything for anybody. He cared about people. It will be difficult to fill his shoes.
Dale's family meant the world to him! He and Joni were blessed with 29 years of love and laughter, two wonderful children, Candy and Brian and spouses Jason and Dez, and two adorable grandchildren. These past few years they have enjoyed attending grandson Nick's baseball and football games, and watching little granddaughter Peyton dance and play her drums --they love their "Paps"-- he was a fun loving, playful dad and grandpa! Dale was a devoted son and was very close with his parents, Ray and Audrey. A "jack of all trades," he was very generous and giving of his time and talents, and took care of ALL family members by fixing cars, doing home repairs and projects, and providing emotional support, whatever was needed. Memories of times with Dale will forever be cherished by his family and friends. He will be missed dearly.
Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Darrell Hunter in 2006. He is survived by wife, Joni; parents, Ray and Audrey Hunter (Lynchburg); sister, Darlene Johnson (Germantown); daughter, Candy (Jason) Polan ( Hilliard); son, Brian (Desiree) Hunter (Lucasville); 9 yr old grandson, Nicklas Polan; 2 yr old granddaughter, Peyton Hunter; two nephews, Bobby (Kayla) Johnson (Germantown) and Christopher Long (Columbus); niece Baylee Johnson (Germantown); mother and father-in-law, Barb and Bob Zimmerman (Dayton); two sisters-in –law, Sandee (Jim) Long, and Vicki Zimmerman (both of Dayton); and several great nephews and nieces.
Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Thursday July 19, 2012 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Bill Carson and Dick Cook speaking. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Dale was an advocate for organ donation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Life Line of Ohio, (Donate Life), 770 Kinnear Rd., Suite 200, Attn: Donations, Columbus, Ohio, 43212, 1-800-525-5667. www.lifelineofohio.org Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com