John William Hunter

Bartow - John Hunter, age 82, passed away January 5, 2021 at Bartow Regional Medical Center. He was born November 5, 1938 in New Hope, AL to Calvin Hunter & Willie (Troup) Hunter. He began his police career in Bartow for a short time and then moved on to Mulberry where he retired with 30 years of service 25 as the Chief of Police. He was a member of Florida Police Chiefs Association and Mulberry Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking and fishing. He loved spending his time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Steven Hunter and sister Mary Virginia Oltersdorf. He is survived by a loving family that includes his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Betty Hunter of Bartow, son John “Tim" Hunter (Paula) of Lakeland, brothers Charles Hunter (Janice) of Huntsville, AL, Donald Hunter of Toney, AL, James Hunter (Ellen) of Huntsville, AL, grandson Kevin Hunter of Lakeland granddaughters Gracyn Hunter of Lakeland, Hailey Cook of Denver, CO and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 10:00 am-11:00 am at Whidden- McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Mt. Dora Children's Home or Church of Christ in Bartow.