Luther Gillespie Hunter

Dr. Luther Gillespie Hunter, 74, of Statesville, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at his home.



Dr. Hunter was born February 2, 1944 in Iredell County and was the son of the late Luther Gillespie Hunter, Sr. and Carmie Rhyne Hunter. He was a graduate of Statesville High School, class of 1962, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, class of 1966 and the UNC Dental School, class of 1971. On March 25, 1967, he married the love of his life Carol Millsaps Hunter.



In addition to his wife of 51 years, he is survived by three sons, Dr. Joseph Kevin Hunter and wife Dani of Albemarle, NC, Michael Edward Hunter and wife Mandy of Cary, NC, Jeffery Scott Hunter and wife Liz of Cary, NC; six grandchildren, Josh, Bailey, Katie, Davis, Carmie and Will Hunter; one brother, Dr. Sid Hunter and wife Patti of Concord; one sister, Judy Hunter of Hillsborough and brother-in-law Buddy Millsaps and wife Kay of Lusby, MD.



Luther was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. His passion was his sons, 3 "daughters" and his grandchildren. He loved watching his boys play soccer and continued to love watching his grandchildren play sports and other activities. He was a die-hard UNC fan and enjoyed reading books, TV, movies and gardening, especially his tomatoes.



Luther was a former Chairman and current Deacon of First Baptist Church and worked in the youth department for over 20 years. He loved working with the youth and helping with their activities.



He was a retired dentist, operating Luther G. Hunter, Jr. DDS PA in Statesville for 32 years. He retired in 2003. He loved his dental practice, his staff and patients. He served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Trinity Fire Department for many years. Dr. Hunter was a member of the Greater Statesville Rotary Club where he was a former President and Paul Harris Fellow.



A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 2 at First Baptist Church at 11:00am with Dr. Nelson Grenade and Dr. Jack Causey officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service in Adams Hall and at other times will assemble at the Hunter residence. Burial will take place Saturday June 2 at 10:00am at Oakwood Cemetery. Dr. Hunter will lie in state at Nicholson Funeral Home until Saturday morning.







Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Christmas Joy Fund, 5th Street Ministries or Iredell Statesville Schools Bible Association. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com











Donations may be made to:

First Baptist Church Christmas Joy Fund815 Davie Ave., Statesville NC 28677Fifth Street Ministries1421 Fifth Street, Statesville NC 28677Iredell Statesville Schools Bible AssociationPO BOX 583, Statesville NC 28687-0583