William Franklin “Bill” Hunter, 96, of Winston-Salem, died on Jan. 27, 2019 at Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community.

He was the husband of the late Betty Howe Hunter with whom he enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage before her death in 2017. He was born in Salem, and was the son of Lonnie Hampton Hunter and Annie Baker Hunter. He spent his career at Eastern Airlines retiring in 1983 as the Manager of Passenger Services at the PTI Airport. It was at Eastern Airlines where he met the love of his life, Betty, and they were married on Sept. 6, 1947. He enjoyed flying as a private pilot, and was a golfer, fisherman, and gardener.  Family and friends were important and he loved to spend time with them on annual fishing and golf trips. He was a lifetime member of Home Moravian Church where he was active as an usher, played with the band for more than 75 years and served on the Board of Elders. He was one of the nicest people you could meet and left his mark on many during his 96 years. He was an inspiration and mentor to family and was known by them as “Uncle Bill,” a name that followed him throughout his life.

He was also preceded in death by: his sisters Lonnie Hunter Frye and Sarah Hunter Sorensen; his brother, Thomas Eugene Hunter; and niece Mary Rose Frye Matte.

Survivors: nieces Linda S. (Don) Giles, Sherri S. (Marty) Cook, Shirley H. (Bill) Womack, Martha F. (Ben) Gravely and Ruthie F. (Larry Schonhofen) Anderson; nephews Art (Cheryl) Sorensen and Gene (Laura) Hunter; as well as 51 grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. in God’s Acre in Salem. The family will greet friends following the service in the church parlor at Home Moravian.

Memorials: Lester H. Morris Sr. Band Fund at Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St.. Winston-Salem, 27101.

Condolences: www.salemfh.com.