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Richard Hunter Obituary
HUNTER, 30
Teacher
LAKELAND - Mr. Richard Shane Hunter, age 30, a resident of Lakeland, Florida passed away Monday, May 26, 2008 in Citrus County. The cause of death is pending at this time.
Mr. Hunter was born July 13, 1977 in Auburndale, Florida to Mark Rusling and Noalyn Christine (Glass) Hunter. Richard was a lifetime resident of Polk County, and a teacher for the Life Skills Center of Polk County. He graduated from Auburndale Senior High School in 1995. He was on the Auburndale High Wrestling Team, and coached wrestling for several Polk County High Schools. He graduated from Florida Southern College (PKA). He was also an avid hunter and loved his family.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother Noalyn Christine Hunter; maternal grandparents Noah & Mabel Glass and paternal grandfather Rusling B. Hunter. Richard is survived by his loving and devoted family wife: Leslie Hunter of Lakeland, FL., 2 sons: Austin Jacob Hunter of Winter Haven, FL., Jeffrey Ballenger of Lakeland, FL., 1 daughter: Emily Ballenger of Lakeland, FL., father: Mark R. Hunter of Winter Haven, FL., paternal grandmother: Faith Hunter of Winter Haven, FL., father in law and mother in law: Jeff & Carol McDonald of Lakeland, FL., 3 sisters in law: Nicole (Jason) Orletski of Brunswick, Maine, Christina McDonald of Tampa, FL., Elisabeth (Trevor) Clark of Lakeland, FL., aunt & uncle: Kim & Ivan Hicks of Winter Haven, FL., aunt: Camille Howe of Winter Haven, FL.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donation's in Richard's name to the Lakeland Highlands Middle School, Sports Program, 740 Lake Miriam Drive, Lakeland.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, June 1, 2008 at the Kersey Funeral Home. Visitation will be held (before service) from 1:00 till 3:00 PM at the funeral home.
Arrangements By: Kersey Funeral Home, 108 East Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale, Florida, 33823. 967-1167.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hunter
Leslie Hunter
May 20, 2009
Well, I have made it through our anniversary, Christmas, and even your birthday. All were so very hard to face without you. Every point of this past year, I have felt you watch over me and the kids. My life has forever changed because of you. Everyday I call on your support and strength with raising our children. Even though days push me further away from the pain of losing you, my love for you remains. I love you.
For everyone who has signed the guestbook, I thank you for your support and kind words. They were reflected upon many times over the year.
May 15, 2009
well shane it has been almost a year since you passed i hope you found mom grandpa grandma dean boy and henry i know you have probably organized a wrestling team by now .I have waited till now to make an entry on this space not a day goes by that i don't think of you .i know that you had finally found your faith in God I know that you are watching our little man austin grow up shane he is so much like you . please know that everyone surronding him is taking good care of him and that papa will make sure that he knows his daddy and i will teach him just like i taught you.one day we will be together again I LOVE YOU SON! POPS
dale spear
January 5, 2009
Sorry about your loss leslie. may the lords wings surround you always....
Emily Ballenger
October 26, 2008
6 months feels like an eternity without you Dad.
Leslie Hunter
October 16, 2008
Never will my heart be touched as it was with you. Never will my days be complete without a thought of you. Always...
Kaley
August 28, 2008
I was just thinking about you yesterday and realized how long it has been since i last saw you! You are missed very much!
Leah Corbin
August 6, 2008
Mr. Hunter was also one of my teachers at life skills..i can't believe he is gone..yet so young..u will always be remembered!!..u are in my prayers!
Ms. Norwich
July 14, 2008
School is not the same without Mr. Hunter. He is truly missed. My love and prayers to his family.
Leslie
July 13, 2008
Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I love you! Another birthday at the beach, at your favorite place...
his wife- Leslie Hunter
June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day- my love
You are the light of my whole world.
Your children miss you so much...
his wife- Leslie
June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day my honey-
I miss you so much! You were the light of my whole world.
Travis Dice
June 9, 2008
From all of us crazy students in lab 1 at lifeskills, we will miss you dearly, mr. hunter. thanks for being our teacher, and our babysitter.
Mike Walker
June 5, 2008
Shane, To all The Good Times. You will be missed. Mike
andrew langford
June 4, 2008
mr. hunter was my teacher at life skills and he kept me out of trouble and i wish he was still her to keep me out of trouble love you mr. hunter may you rest in peace
Wendy Cramer-George
June 3, 2008
Shane,
I know that God must've needed you to take you at such a young age. I have many memories of you, and I will never forget them. God Bless the Hunter Family during this painful time and Rest In Peace Shane.
emily ballenger
June 3, 2008
Hi this is Emily Ballenger and Shane was my Step Dad. I love him like a father. He taught two things in life: Education and Family are most important. Thank you to all who have signed the guest book.
Amanda Baker
June 2, 2008
Shane was a wonderful person and was taken from the people who loved him too soon. He will be greatly missed.
June 2, 2008
My son Kevin always talked about how funny he was in PE. You will be missed.
Maria Perez
Nicole Hessling
June 1, 2008
Shane will be missed by some many people. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.
Shane will always have a special place in my heart.
daniel thomas
June 1, 2008
coach Hunter you were my first couch and u tought me everything i kno and u treated the team like ur family i just wanted you to kno that u made a diffrence on alot of us and you will me missed greatly....daniel thomas gj 103
Yahshua Kickliter
June 1, 2008
Your journey here is over. Heaven has now opened the gates for you. See you there at a later time.
Eric Robinson
June 1, 2008
To the family and friends of Shane,
I just left Shane's funeral and just being there showed me just how much his friends and family loved him. I didn't know Shane as well I others, but when we did see each other we always talked and he talked to me like we were the best of friends. I always enjoy talking to him. I will truly miss him and I will keep his family in my prayers.
Jennifer Gaudette (Keith)
June 1, 2008
My heart goes out to the family of Shane. I went to high school with him and he was just a really sweet guy that will be greatly missed. You are all in my prayers.
LaShara Lawrence
June 1, 2008
sorry for your loss! i know Mr. Hunter will be greatly missed. I had him as a teacher in 7th grade and he was always my favorite!
Tammy Konkol
May 31, 2008
Dear Leslie, Emily, Jeffrey & Austin, Our hearts go out to you & we are so sorry for your loss. Shane was a role model for CJ & Joseph. We will keep you in our prayers. God Bless. Tammy, Joseph & CJ Townsend
sissy king dunn
May 31, 2008
shane you will be missed so much but you can go be with your mom now. i have missed her and i know i will miss you even more, you were like my own son...my prayers go out to mark, leslie and the kids.
Sherry Lambert (Rhea)
May 31, 2008
To the family of Shane I am deeply sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Shane. I last seen him at our 10 yr. reunion. You all are in my prayers. May god be with you all and help you get through this difficult time. I will always remember Shane as aloving and caring guy. God bless his spirit and may he be ya'lls gardian angel and keep you safe. Rest in peace Shane and always know how much we love you and will miss you . I will hold Shane and his family close to my heart and in my prayers everyday. God Bless Ya'll.
Dollie Pollock~Grigg
May 31, 2008
Shane,
I was in shock when I heard the news. I havent seen you in years but the last time I did you gave me the biggest hug. You were always smiling and I will remember that. I hope your children grow to know what a great and funny guy you were. It was too soon for you to go but God had bigger plans for you. I among others are selfish though and wish you were still here. I will remember you always and know that one day we will all see you again. God bless you and your family.
Melissa Sansolo
May 31, 2008
Shane grew up living next to my grandparents and I can remember the times he came over to visit and get one of Dee's famous monster cookies. When my brother came down for a visit they became fast friends.
I know that Shane had a passion for teaching and wrestling. He made a positive impression on many of his students. I feel save in the thought that he is with his Mom, Chris once more.
Mark, my prayers go out to you.
brittany mayes
May 31, 2008
leslie& family im so sorry for your loss you were my teacher back in 7th grade and i also had mr. hunter as a teacher then when high school came i switched over to life skills and he was my teacher...he always had a joke to tell the class..you could always see him smiling even when he is having a bad day...just know that he is looking down upon yall..it may not be what yall wished for but he will be in a great place HEAVEN..just hold your heads up guys you will make it threw...my heart goes out to your family and friends and ill keep you in my prayers. r.i.p. Richard Shane Hunter
i lovee youuu
Kevin Sheets
May 31, 2008
I had the honor of wrestling for Coach Hunter at George Jenkins High School. Over that time, he and I had a close bond. I know that he would have done absolutely anything for me and vice versa, and we could always make each other laugh. He earned both my respect as a coach and love as a friend. I will never forget his smile and laugh. Coach Hunter, you will always be in my heart, and I look back so fondly on our time together. I hope you know the impact you had on me. Thank you Coach for all the hours you put into me. You will be missed.
Stacie Spears
May 31, 2008
Shane you will be missed so much! I keep thinking of all the fun times we had in high school & in college. Dean must have needed you in heaven more than we did down here:) Give him a big hug for me. Mark, you are in my thoughts and prayers...
Dominique Soldano
May 31, 2008
Mr. Hunter, you impacted my life so much when i had you as my teacher at lakeland highlands middle. You were my favorite teacher of all time! But your in a better place now. My thoughts and prayers go to your family. i love you.
Eva Castiglione
May 31, 2008
Leslie and Austin, No words can express the sorrow I feel for your loss. I loved Shane and hope that one day Austin will know the great things his father did and how much he loved him. As always, I am here for both of you if you need me. Love you, Eva
Shane...Know that you are missed...the many laughs you had, the good times you shared, will always be remembered by all. Love, Eva
Hannah Lofton
May 31, 2008
Mr. Hunter Was A Great Man, An awesome Teacher, And A Genuine Friend.... if there was anyone i needed to talk to he was there. If there was help I needed with anything he was there. The reason i finished up my credits at lifeskills yesterday was all because of him, he told me i could do it and pushed me so much, I Just Wish He Could Be Here in two Weeks At Graduation To See It. It's Hard To Lose Someone So Special & That Means Soo Much. R.I.P.
My prayers go out to his family <3
Chris Gardner
May 31, 2008
Shane, They say remember the good times and I always will, The last time we were together was at Chili's in Auburndale on Culpeppers B-day March 10th, 2008 we had a great time. Your in a better place now, when you see my Dad up there, give him a big hug for me please and tell him me and Craig and Brandy are O.K. We love ya.
Allison Gibson
May 31, 2008
I grew up around Shane due to swimming at the Winter Haven Complex for 10 years. He was a good friend to me and I know that he was a devoted and loving husband and father to his children. My prayers and thoughts are with his family...I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless you and I pray he gives you peace in this time of need.
Lou Ann Antonelli
May 30, 2008
Please let me offer my condolences to you and your family for you recent loss.
Shane was a special person who will be missed by all who had the chance to know him.
Anna Davis
May 30, 2008
Leslie and Austin,I am so sorry for your loss.You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Dunn
May 30, 2008
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all the Hunter Family. It was just too soon. Please hang on to your faith and know Shane is in a wonderful place. All our love,
Vicki, Lori and Jessica Dunn
Vicki Powell
May 30, 2008
Leslie and Family: John 6:47 reads, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. Philippians 4:7 reads, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Matthew 5:4 reads, Blessed are they that mourn:for they shall be comforted. I pray that these verses ease your heart. May our Lord be your strength during this very difficult time. I love you.
Your friend, Vicki Powell LHMS
Megan Tyler
May 30, 2008
I was a former student of his (06-07). I have never learned so much from one person. Mr. Hunter motivated me more then any other person. No matter what, he always had a smile on his face, he always brightened up the classroom. Mr. Hunter always told his class stories of his time, and how to make our learning so much easier. He was my favorite teacher. I always think back on all the advice he told me, and it changed the way I am to this day. It seemed like everyday he always had something new to tell us. He was full of happiness, greatness, joy, laughter, excitement, etc. I'm giving his friends and family my thoughts and prayers. He was a great man, a wonderful role model, a true friend. I used to see Mr. Hunter as my 7th Geography teacher, but now, I see him as my hero. Thank you Richard Shane Hunter. You won't be forgotten.
Hold on to the one you love, and appreciate every moment you have
May 30, 2008
MAGGIE MCCORMICK
May 30, 2008
MR. HUNTER WAS AN AMAZING TEACHER! I WAS ONE OF HIS STUDENTS AT LIFE SKILLS. IF HE WASNT HELPING A STUDENT OUT HE WAS MAKING THEM LAUGH! HE WILL BE MISS!
Brittany Creeley
May 30, 2008
I will be praying for you while you go through this difficult time. I was one of his students at Life Skills and he was an amazing teacher. He always made everyone laugh. He will be sincerely missed.
Chelsea Pearce
May 30, 2008
Dear Mrs.Hunter and Emily,
He was one of my favorite teachers,
he will be greatly missed by me and all other students. You are in my thoughts.
Brien Spann
May 30, 2008
I'm very sorry for your recent loss and will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dana bell a student
May 30, 2008
To the hunter family I am sorry for your lost and just think of it as he's looking down at all of you trying to tell yall that he is in a better place so keep yall heads up.
Ferdinand Ortiz
May 30, 2008
Mr. Hunter was a great teacher.Everyday he would come to school and have a smile on his face. He never gave up and always helped his students. he never let us give up. He was always the first one to help you and if you still didnt get it he would sit next to you and help you. Mr. Hunter will be missed.
Margie Bivins
May 30, 2008
Leslie:
I am so sorry for your loss. You must take this time and hold onto the wonderful times you had with him. Those memories will last you a lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
All my love your friend and sister in Christ.
Aimee Wilcox
May 30, 2008
Leslie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Terrance campbell
May 30, 2008
MR. HUNTER WAS THE COOLEST TEACHER EVER.
Jenette Auletta
May 30, 2008
Shane,
You will be so missed you brought much joy to your family and freinds. You touched so many lives. It is a pleasure to call you my friend.
Thank you for making Leslie and the kids so happy.
Leslie and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you.
Jim, Jenette & Family
Nann Pollock
May 30, 2008
Mr. Hunter was a dear friend and a great teacher. I had the joy of teaching with Mr. Hunter in Lab I during the 2007-2008 school year. I will always remember his many kindnesses to me and the students of Lab I. It is said that God picks the very best to bloom in His Heavenly Garden. I believe Shane Hunter certainly belongs in the Heavenly Garden. He will be sorely missed at Lifeskills by his friends and students. God bless his family in this sorrowful time.
Nann Pollock
Lifeskills Centers
Lakeland , Florida
Rob and Lynn Keenan
May 30, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our prayers as you go through this difficult time in your life.
Jimmy Barbee
May 30, 2008
What a nice guy. Always friendly to me and students. He has left this world to soon. He will be missed.
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