Mr. Joseph Jefferson Hunt, 87 of Charlotte, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Atrium Health-Main.  He was born in Clover, South Carolina to Mary Alice Hunt on June 15, 1933.  He was raised on a farm in Shelby, North Carolina by his loving grandparents Green and Dolly Hunt.  Joe graduated from Green Bethel High School and was drafted into the United States Army shortly after in 1954.  Later, he was honorably discharged and received several medals including ones for National Defense Service, Good Conduct, and Army of Occupation for his tour in Germany.  Joe used his G.I. benefits to attend Carver College, an HBCU for biblical and theological studies, and receive an Associate of Arts degree on June 6, 1961.  Joe worked for Colonial Bread and ended his career as an operations manager for Rexham Industries for over 30 years before retiring in Charlotte, North Carolina.

During his time, he also operated his own private bartending & catering service where he enjoyed hosting parties and gaining recognition amongst the city's elite socialites.

While living in Charlotte, he met the love of his life-Mary Elizabeth Barnes-whom he dated for a while until he proposed in 1958.  They wed on June 28 that same year and celebrated 46 years of marital bliss together before Mary passed in May 2004.  The Hunt's established a church home with Our Lady of Consolation in 1959.  Joe & Mary both served their congregation faithfully as leaders for the respective Boys & Girls Scout troops at OLC.  Joe was also revered Men's Group leader and eucharistic minister for several years.  He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1960 and achieve the highest accomplishment of becoming a Past Grand Knight for Council 770.

Joe will be remembered as a devout Christian, divine cook, and diehard Cowboys fan who deeply loved his family and his faith community.  Known for his special dishes, Joe would create good food and great conversation with anyone he came into contact with.  He was preceded in death by his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Barnes Hunt, two sisters, three brothers, and several aunts & uncles.

Affectionately known as "Papa Joe", he leaves behind two children:  Cheryle Elizabeth Hunt, Joseph Jefferson Hunt II (daughter-in-law Lisa Hunt); four grandchildren: Michael Hunt, Bianca Sloan, Ashley Hunt, Joseph Jefferson Hunt III; three great-grandchildren: Zyteria Page, Xaine Hunt, Emmanuel Sloan; two sisters-in-law Patricia Barnes, Queleen Roland; special cousins Andrew Hopper Sr. (his wife Brenda); his extended family The Withrow's; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends to cherish his memory forever.