Charles Truett Hunnicutt, 86, passed away at his home in Greenville on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Burial will be at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery on January 4, 2021, with a graveside service attended by his immediate family under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.
He was known to be quick-witted and personable to friends and family, equally comfortable delivering a speech as part of a Toastmasters group or striking up a conversation with a stranger he happened to meet.
Mr. Hunnicutt was born in Girard, Texas on August 19, 1934 to Tom and Nona Johnston Hunnicutt, the youngest of eight children. During his school years, he was a basketball, tennis, and track athlete. While stationed in Germany during his service with the U.S. Army, he met his future wife Winnie at a Christian church event. They were married on March 26, 1960 at Girard Baptist Church and she preceded him in passing in June of 2018.
He received an English degree and teacher certification at East Texas State University and for a time was a substitute teacher in Greenville schools, where he was popular with students for his ability to incorporate humor, games, and memory demonstrations into his teaching.
As an enthusiast of high school sports, in 1985 Mr. Hunnicutt started “Jam the Gym,” an annual promotion to increase attendance to support the Greenville High School basketball team, a tradition which has continued throughout the years.
He is survived by his daughter Cheryl Hunnicutt, son Steven Hunnicutt, daughter-in-law Charina Hunnicutt, brother Kenneth “Dink" Hunnicutt and sister Carolyn Tucker.