An Army veteran in World War II and the Korean Conflict David Willey Hunt, Jr., son of David Willey Hunt, Sr. and Dulcie Ann Huffman Hunt, was born on Feb. 26, 1926, in Sparta, and passed away on Feb. 16, 2007, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 80.
David was a retired chef. He was an Army veteran and served his country in World War II and the Korean Conflict, and was a member of the American Legion Post #676.
On Aug. 12, 1978, David and Paula Snider were united in marriage in Silver Dollar City, Mo. David was of the Assembly of God faith. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Dave” at Silver Dollar City, where he worked for 32 years.
He was a professional storyteller, harmonica player and guitar player there. David was one of the two remaining original members of Silver Dollar City’s Folk Music Festivals. He loved gardening, fishing, carpentry and being with his family.
David was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Fairy Lee Davis and Wilma Wagner; and one brother, R.J. Hunt.
He is survived by his wife, Paula of the home in Springfield; five children, Darrell Wayne Hunt, Albany, Ore., David Willey Hunt, III, Cedar Hill, Texas, Floyd Alan Hunt and Janice, Rogersville, Sheryl Ann and Jimmie Mason, Springdale, Ark., and Sandra Kay Hunt, Fayetteville, Ark.; two stepsons, Randy Gene Peak, Bowling Green, and John Wayne Peak, Springfield; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Russell Hunt and wife Ann, Ava, and Ralph A. Hunt, Harlengen, Texas; two sisters, Wanda Louise Bautts and husband, Bobby, and Velva Izora Ellison, both of Rogers, Ark.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, with Dennis Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Ava Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 112 and VFW Post 5993.
Services were conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. Online condolences can be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome. com.
