Obituary of Rev. Billy Fred Hunt

Reverend Billy Fred Hunt, 84, of Rainbow City, Alabama gained his angel wings on Sunday, September 3, 2023 in Huntsville, Alabama. ​Billy was a native of Madison County where he was raised and graduated high school in 1957. He was the son of Edd and Nellie Hunt of Scottsboro who preceded him in death. His wife of 63 years Shirley Stephens Hunt and son John Edward Hunt also preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother Eddie Thomas Hunt (Carolyn) of Huntsville, daughter Lynn Hunt Wilson (Mark) of Huntsville, son Scott Hunt (Sharon) of Knoxville, Tennessee, his Daughter-In- Law Elizabeth Treece Hunt, of Cullman and his adopted daughter Betty Putnam of Owens Cross Roads. ​Billy and his high school sweetheart Shirley Stephens were married in 1957 following their graduation from Madison County High School. They were the loving parents of their three children, Lynn, John and Scott and their adopted daughter Betty. Shirley passed away in 2020 after 63 years of marriage. ​Billy is survived by his seven grandchildren, Brittany, Brandi, Kayla, Sydney, Ryan, Seth, and Lauren who will truly miss their “Papa.” He was also the proud Papa of four great grandchildren. ​Billy began his ministry at 17 years of age while he was in high school. He graduated from Howard University in Birmingham which is now Samford University. He began teaching elementary school and continued preaching. He taught school and was the pastor at various churches until the mid-1970s. Billy was asked and he accepted the position as Director of Missions for St. Clair County in 1983. He remained in that position for 21 years until he retired in 2004. Even after officially retiring, Billy continued his passion for preaching as interim pastor at multiple churches. He finally retired in 2022, known by many as the “Billy Graham of St. Clair County.” ​Visitation for Reverend Hunt will be held on Saturday, September 9th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ashville First Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Ken Miller and Rev. Jamie Baldwin Officiating. A graveside burial service will follow at St. Clair Memorial Gardens in Pell City with Rev. Bud Swindall officiating. ​Pallbearers will be Ryan Hunt, Seth Hunt, Chris Kemp, Kyle Randolph, Wilson Strickland, John Sykes, and Cade Peek. Honorary pallbearers are Junior Davis, Rev. Bud Swindall, and Bill Drummond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ashville First Baptist Church Building fund. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.