Karl Ray Hunter Jr, 70, of Belle Chasse, Louisiana, was called home on March 24, 2020.
He was born on August 7, 1949 in Pineville, Louisiana, the son of late Karl Hunter Sr. and late Louella Tobin Hunter. He was one of eight siblings.
He graduated from Port Sulphur High School in 1967. He married his life partner of 42 years, Norma Hunter, on Christmas Eve 1979. She was his best friend, soulmate, and caretaker.
He served in the U.S. Army as a medical corpsman. He was a Commander of VFW Post 6402 (Port Sulphur) for several years, as well as a lifelong VFW member. In 2004, he retired from Freeport McMoran/Crescent Technology after 37 years.
His lifelong passion was music, being a member of the New Orleans Musicians Alumni Association and inducted into the Westbank Musicians Hall of Fame in 2016. He was a bass player in several bands, most notably the Henchmen, the Telstars, Jerry Fountain & the Trustees, The Louisiana Bootleggers, Joe G & EZ Street, The Jesters, Music Inc., and the BC Boyz, and known to sit in with many others over time.
He was a friend to many and a stranger to no one. He devoted the most time to his family and his kids, with starring roles from Girl Scout troop leader and cookie dad, to T-Ball coach, to being their biggest fans in everything they participated in, never missing a game nor performance. He so enjoyed his role as a family man. When his health allowed, he loved going fishing with his son. He lit up like a child on Christmas morning when his grandchildren came to visit—they were truly the light of his life!
He is survived by his spouse, Norma; their three children, Scott Pelas, Jory Deitrick, and Karly Hunter Adams; their bonus sons, Justin Adams and Joseph Deitrick; and their eight granddaughters, Jacie Lynn Adams, Jordyn Jean Deitrick, Juliana Monroe Adams, Joleigh Grace Deitrick, Emma June Thompson, late Ava Presley Adams, Josie Raye Deitrick, and Zoey Jayne Adams; as well as a host of extended family and friends. He will forever be missed by all.
A private family service will be held at Mothe Funeral Service in Harvey on March 31, 2020; Burial will follow at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery in Belle Chasse.