It is with great sadness for the loss in this world and yet a celebration for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Dale Gardner Hunt, Sr. to Heaven. He departed peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and adventure.

Dale was born in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, to Ernest and Ila Hunt. He was preceded in death by his older siblings, Jim Hunt and Dora Faske, and is survived by his beloved younger sister, Rita Cummins, whom he affectionately called "the little one."

Raised in a small farming community, Dale had a drive for adventure that led him to enlist in the United States Navy in 1958. Over the next two decades, he traveled the world as a Boiler Technician (BT), recruiter, and Shore Patrol officer; achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer before retiring in 1978.

In 1971, Dale married Anne Marie Hunt (Smith) of Boston, Massachusetts, his Irish Catholic angel. Together, they raised two sons, Dale Gardner Hunt, Jr. and Daniel Ray Hunt, in West Columbia, South Carolina, where they built a loving home and a strong community. Anne passed away in 1993 after an extended illness, and Dale’s devotion during that time was a testament to his strength and compassion.

After retiring from the Navy, Dale embarked on a second career at the VA hospital in Columbia, SC, where he dedicated himself to serving fellow veterans. It was there that he met Rosalind (Roz) Smith, who shared his passion for motorcycles and adventure. They married in August 2004, and Dale gained a stepson, Levi Smith.

Dale was a man of many passions—an avid hunter, motorcycle enthusiast, classic car buff, and guitar picker. He spent his retirement traveling the country on his motorcycle, playing music with friends, and cherishing every moment with Roz. A proud veteran, he maintained a close-knit circle of fellow servicemen, attending breakfasts, memorials, and social events that honored their shared service.

Dale’s life was defined by his adventurous spirit, his love for family, and his loyalty to those he held dear. His kindness, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Dale is survived by his wife of 20 years, Roz Hunt, his sons Dale Hunt, Jr. (Julie), Danny Hunt (Lena), and stepson Levi Smith (Keri). His grandchildren Anne Marie Hunt, Cullen Daniel Hunt, Jude Samuel Hunt, Elijah James Hunt, Anna Catherine Hunt, Abraham Levi Smith, and Frederick Joseph Smith.

A celebration of life will be held on February 18, 12:00pm for visitation, 1:00pm for service at Thompson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dale’s honor to a veterans’ organization of your choice.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.