Richard Earl Hunter

Richard Earl Hunter, 79, a 12 year resident of Bowie, Maryland passed away at his residence on Sunday, January 31, 2010 after a brief battle with lung cancer. He bravely faced and battled the disease with the help of his devoted wife and family and the caring staff of Hospice of the Chesapeake. He was the beloved husband of M. Margaret Hunter; loving father of Richard J. Hunter and his wife, Karen, Tammy K. Freeman and her husband, Hal, Robert E. Hunter and special friend Tori Shackett and Mike Huskins and his wife, Pam; dear grandfather of Amanda, Alexa, Zachary, Hunter, Taylor and Jordan. He was born March 23, 1930 in Washington, DC, the son of T. Otis Hunter and V. Katherine Hunter, both now deceased. He was raised in Colmar Manor, Maryland, graduating from Bladensburg High School in 1948 where he excelled on the varsity track team, earning him the nickname "Track Man". After graduation, he moved to North Carolina where he lived for 10 years, working in the Forest Service and developing a love for the mountains and lakes in the area. It was there that he met his wife of 49 years, Margaret. They returned to the Maryland area in the early 1960's where they raised their family and he pursued a career as a firefighter for for Chevy Chase Fire Department until his retirement in 1983. While working at the fire department, he practiced his skills in the kitchen, often preparing the evening meal for the guys in his platoon and earning him the nickname "High Heat" for his use of a high flame regardless of what was cooking. Richard was a fantastic cook. Many of his specialties will long be remembered by those of us fortunate enough to have enjoyed them. After his retirement, Richard continued to work. He enjoyed working as much as most people enjoy relaxing, but when he did take a break, he enjoyed watching old westerns, pampering his beloved dogs Riley and Coco, spending time with his grandkids he so dearly loved, having cookouts and crab feasts with the family, listening to country music and traveling back to North Carolina to visit friends and relatives. Richard was a quiet man, often leading you to wonder during a party or family gathering if he was enjoying himself, only to hear him say, sometimes days later, what a wonderful time he had had. His tough exterior prevented some people from knowing just how special they were to him but he deeply and dearly loved so many of you. We will miss him greatly. Family will receive friends at the family owned BEALL FUNERAL HOME, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3 South), Bowie, MD on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 3:00pm until the Memorial Service at 4:00pm. Interment private. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Hwy., Annapolis, MD 21401.