Dr. Donny Lee Hunter
October 17, 1949 - September 3, 2024

Dr. Donny Lee Hunter, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday with his loving family by his side.

Born and raised in Broadway, Donny was the youngest son of Altie Johnson and Laurin "Fid" Hunter. Donny spent much of his childhood working to help his family make ends meet, but spent his free time playing sports. A natural athlete, Donny tried out for the youth baseball league. But when he made the team, he told Coach Mack Spivey he couldn't play because his family couldn't afford a baseball glove. Coach Spivey drove to Donny's house, opened his trunk, tossed him a spare glove, and told him he was going to play no matter what. Coach Spivey became a cherished role model that day, and Donny carried his lessons of confidence, kindness, generosity, and encouragement throughout his life.

In his senior year of high school, Donny and some friends crashed a dance at Boone Trail School. That's where he met Rebecca Collins. He was enchanted by her, but failed to ask for her number. The next day, he drove around the Boone Trail area, asking strangers if they knew her, until he finally tracked her down and knocked on her door. His determination paid off - they were married in July of 1973 and enjoyed 51 happy years together.

After graduating from Broadway School in 1967, Donny worked at a local mill. One fateful day, another beloved coach, Bruce Schell, stopped by and encouraged him to go to college. Donny never thought higher education could happen for a kid like him, but he gathered his courage and signed up for classes at Sandhills Community College. That day was the start of Donny's lifetime of devoted service and advocacy for public education in North Carolina. He later transferred to Campbell College (now University), where he graduated with a B.S. degree in 1972. Donny also earned Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from East Carolina University (1978 and 1985, respectively), and a Ph.D. in Research & Policy Analysis from North Carolina State University in 1998, all while balancing the demands of family life and his career.

Donny was a fierce advocate for public education. He began as a middle school teacher and basketball coach in Harnett County, then served as principal at Benhaven Middle School and Western Harnett High School. During his time with Harnett County, he was honored as both Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year. Next, Donny served as Personnel Director for Lee County Schools, and was appointed Superintendent in 1989. He was honored as Superintendent of the Year by the NC League of Middle Schools. In 1993, Donny became a consultant to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, then he was appointed Executive Director to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges & Liaison to the General Assembly for North Carolina Universities and Public Schools in 1997. In 2002, Donny and a fellow educator, Dr. Jeff Hockaday, founded a consulting firm that specialized in leadership training and recruitment for community college presidents. Donny continued this work after Dr. Hockaday's retirement, while also serving as the President/CEO of the N.C. Association of Community College Trustees (NCACCT) from 2009 until his retirement in 2017.

Besides his career, Donny was well-known as a key leader in Lee and Harnett County. Brilliant and wise, people often turned to him for advice on everything from politics to business. Donny received many awards and recognitions throughout his life, but one of his proudest was in 2002, when Governor Mike Easley bestowed upon him The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in North Carolina, given to those who have shown extraordinary service to the state. During Sandhills Community College's 50th anniversary celebration, he was named to their list of 50 Outstanding Alumni, and served as their graduation speaker that year. He began his speech by asking how many graduates were the first in their family to earn a college degree. Many raised their hands. He congratulated them on having the courage to pursue their goals, and spoke about the power of education to better not only your own life, but the life of your children and grandchildren.

Donny's professional successes are many, but he was even more devoted to his role as husband, father, and grandfather. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family. He cheered on Rebecca throughout her own career in public education, and they enjoyed many happy years of travel, time with friends, and working together on home projects. He was extremely proud of his daughter, Niki, and his son, Matt, and he was always there with whatever they needed, whether it was words of wisdom or a helping hand. One of the greatest joys of his life was his five grandsons - "his boys" - Hunter, Carson, Colton, Andrew, and Camden. He loved spending time with them, visiting and traveling with them, going to their baseball games and school performances, and much more.

Donny leaves a deep void in our family that can never be filled, but we are so proud of him, and grateful for his incredible legacy of service to others. The courage he had to grow beyond his humble beginnings and serve his community will echo in our family and countless others for generations to come.

Donny is preceded in death by his parents, Altie Johnson Hunter McDuffie and Laurin "Fid" Hunter, and his brother, Bobby Hunter. He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Rebecca Collins Hunter; his daughter, Niki Hunter Privette, her husband Coy, and their sons, Hunter, Carson and Andrew; his son Matthew Hunter, his wife Crystal, and their sons, Colton and Camden; his sister Annie and her husband Jerry, along with many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Our family invites you to join us in honoring Donny's life and legacy.  We will welcome visitors at Crossroads Church in Broadway on Saturday, September 7 starting at 11 am, with a memorial service immediately following at 1 pm in the church sanctuary. A graveside dedication will be held after the service at Broadway Cemetery.

Donations in Donny's honor may be made to organizations who provided gentle care, reassurance, and comfort for both Donny and his family: Duke Memory Makers (https://dukefamilysupport.org/giving) or Transitions LifeCare (250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607).

Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com

Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.