Harold L. Hunt
Harold L. Hunt, Sr., of Daleville, VA, was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 surrounded by his family.
Born in Roanoke, VA on August 14, 1945, Harold attended Roanoke City Schools and graduated from Lucy Addison High School in 1963 where he excelled at football and band. After graduating, Harold immediately answered a higher calling by enlisting in the United States Air Force. His four years of honorable service took him from the icy runways of Alaska to the wide‑open skies of Texas and instilled in him the quiet discipline and steady resolve that would guide the rest of his life.
After returning home, Harold married the love of his life, Louise T. Hunt. Their 51‑year marriage was a partnership of love, faith, and laughter that set a beautiful example for their three children, Pamela, Crystal, and Harold Jr., whose lifelong closeness remains a living testament to their parents’ values.
A born problem‑solver with a machinist’s touch, Harold turned his childhood fascination with trains into a fulfilling career at Norfolk & Western Railroad (later Norfolk Southern). Over the decades, his steady hands, keen mind, and generous spirit earned him the respect of colleagues who quickly became friends.
When the work whistle blew, Harold’s true joy began: family time. Whether gathered around the dinner table, cheering on football, or piling into the car for another memory‑making vacation, he was never happier than when everyone was together. A lifelong learner, he also nurtured a deep passion for history, often found immersed in a documentary, eager to share the stories that shape us all.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 51 years, Louise T. Hunt, his father, Chester Bundick, mother, Addie H. Bundick, sister, Diane E. Bundick Grogan, three brothers, James W. Hunt, Ernest Hunt and Charles L. Hunt.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Pamela L. Harris, Daleville, VA, Crystal H. Saunders of Fincastle, VA, and son, Harold (Kimberly) L. Hunt, Jr., of Centreville, VA, grandchildren, Anthony Jaylin Saunders, Brandon James Saunders, and Adeline McDowell Hunt, sisters, Barbara Jean Hunt of Winston-Salem, NC and Cheryl Bundick of Roanoke, VA, and dear sister-in-law, Laureen Thornhill of Farmington Hills, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special thanks to his nieces, Kara Jones of Greensboro, NC, Melisha Zeigler of Charlotte NC, and Tyrone Grogan, Jr., of Las Vegas, NV and special cousins, Diane Johnson of Hampton, VA and Ruth Hunt of New York, NY.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Amedisys Home Healthcare, Amedisys Hospice Care, Carilion Health System, and Carilion Home Health Care. We are especially grateful to Danielle Alderman, RN, for her compassion and gentle care, Nick Alterio, PT, for his kindness and expert care, and to Krista Motley, RN, whose extraordinary skill and kindness were a sustaining grace in Harold’s final days. She was more than a caregiver—she was a source of peace, strength, and compassion during one of life’s most difficult chapters.
"A private family graveside service will be held on August 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at C. C. Williams Memorial Park, 943 Westside Blvd NW, Roanoke, VA. A memorial to celebrate his life and legacy will be held on September 27, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Train Station, 1402 S Jefferson St SW, Roanoke, VA 24016."
Messages of sympathy and memories can be shared online at https://www.rader-funeralhome.com or Tribute Wall.
