Bill was born Dec. 8, 1947 in Kilgore, Texas, to Billy and Louise Hunter. After graduation from high school in Hobbs, N.M., in 1966, Bill joined the United States Navy in 1968 as a Seabee and was stationed in Mississippi, the Bahamas, Vietnam, and Alaska. During his military service he learned the importance of patriotism and developed a love for his country that he would share with others for the rest of his life.

For more than 30 years, Bill served as the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 259 in Lockney, teaching young men about the principles of Scouting, spending weeks at summer camp each year, and guiding more than a dozen scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout. In recognition of his work in scouting, he was named a Citizen of the Year in 2009 by the Lockney Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Lockney's American Legion, participating in countless funerals across the South Plains to make sure his fellow veterans were buried with honor. Following the death of his son, U.S. Army SSG Wesley Hunter, in 2008, he faithfully kept watch over the U.S. flag flying in front of Lockney High School, providing and raising a new one whenever it was needed.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bill attended Oklahoma State University School of Technical Training in Okmulgee, Okla., where he learned the electrician's trade that he used to serve his community. He was always ready to answer a call for help, whether as a lineman for Lighthouse Electric Cooperative in Floydada, Texas—a position he held for almost 40 years—or on his free time helping those in Lockney with electrical work.

Bill met Kathryn Miller as a pen pal when he was serving in the Navy, and they were married on June 1, 1973 in Lockney. A loving husband and father, he was always so proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments—never missing an opportunity to tell others about their successes. Being a great-grandfather brought him much joy in his final years.

Bill was a faithful Christian and a member of the Main Street Church of Christ in Lockney. For more than 40 years he served as the church custodian, making sure the building was clean, the doors were unlocked for services, and the temperature in the auditorium was just right. He was always ready with a story, and loved to greet visitors.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy; children, Mandy Hunter of Burleson, Texas, and Jeffrey Hunter of Las Cruces, N.M.; daughter-in-law, Rayanne Hunter, of Rye, Colo.; grandchildren Anna Hill and husband Mason of Joshua, Texas, Westlin Hunter of Rye, Colo., and Tavie Hunter of Rye, Colo.; great-grandsons Jude and Everett Hill; a sister, Cathy Wile and husband Jack of Seguin, Texas; and a brother, David Hunter of Hobbs, N.M. He was preceded in death by his son, Wesley Hunter.