Michael Eugene Hunter (“Mike”), an adored brother, beloved nephew and uncle, and cherished friend, passed away into the arms of our God on December 11, 2017, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was preceded in death by his mother Betty Joyce Hunter, father Edgar Eugene Hunter, and sister Joan Hunter Grayson.

Mike was born on January 21, 1956 in Lubbock, Texas. Growing up on the West Texas plains, Mike learned to appreciate hard work, honesty, the love of God, and the value of true friendship. He graduated from Coronado High School and attended college at Texas Tech University.

In February 1979, Mike embarked upon a 35+ year career with Southwest Airlines. Mike was promoted to a leadership role early in his career, which provided him the opportunity to live in multiple cities and have oversight of several different stations throughout the Southwest system. Mike had the ability to travel all over the country but found his solitude close to his homes in Dallas and Tampa, where he delighted in boating, riding motorcycles, hunting, or simply enjoying an evening with family or friends playing his guitar.

Mike touched the lives of everyone who knew him with an infectious laugh and smile, quick wit, positive attitude, listening ear and kind heart. Mike had a gift for surrounding himself with many wonderful friendships; the love of his family and friends is his true legacy. Mike is survived by his sister Becky Hunter McKinney and husband Paul, and sister Julianna Hunter Dallas. He is survived by his aunt Suzanne George and husband Bill, his nephew Robby Lacey and wife Michele, his nephew Ricky McKinney and wife Darla, his nephew Hunter Dallas and wife Megan, his niece Ali Terry and husband Aaron, and his niece and nephew Jenna and Blake Dallas. Finally, he is survived by his beloved great nephews and nieces, Connor McKinney, Bobby Lacey, Reagan McKinney, Hadley Terry, Blythe Terry and Annie Dallas. Mike will never be forgotten or replaced, and we count ourselves blessed to have felt the warmth of his love.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas on January 12, 2018 at 11:00 am with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in memory of Mike Hunter to the National Pancreas Foundation at https://pancreasfoundation.org/.