WILLIE LEE HUNTER was born on November 30, 1935, in Abbeville, South Carolina to David and Ethel Ravinelle Hunter. Willie moved with his family to Mooresville, North Carolina around the age of 5. He resided there until he enlisted in the United States Army at age 17, following his graduation from high school. During a military career that spanned more than 20 years, he served tours of duty in Korea, Germany and multiple locations throughout the United States. He was last stationed at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, New Jersey, before retiring as a Master Sergeant First Class. Following his military retirement, Willie embarked on a second career as a radio communications electrician with the Federal Aviation Administration at Teterboro Airport, New Jersey. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after 23 years. Willie was a man of deep and committed faith. He was a long time member of Second Baptist Church, Long Branch. He became a Deacon in 1987, then Deacon Emeritus in 2016. He also served the church as Treasurer and Secretary. Willie was a respected mentor in the church and in his community. He taught so many generations what it meant to be a man of faith, by giving of his time, instilling life values and offering sage advice. Anyone that knew Willie knew that he was a dedicated family man. When it came to hard work and providing for his family, Willie set high standards. Even as he worked long hours at Teterboro Airport, he always made time for his family. Pop Pop, as he was affectionately known, received much happiness and laughter from his grandchildren and adored them all. He was a genius when it came to math. If you had difficult math homework, Pop Pop would patiently show you how to master the problems step-by-step. The grandchildren learned not to give Pop Pop their remote control cars, walkie-talkies or radios to fix because the toy would be completely dismantled and laid out on his basement work table forever. Pop Pop and Nana opened their home to everyone, and all who entered were welcomed as family. Willie was predeceased by his beloved wife, Annie L. Hunter, his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. He departed this life on July 29, 2019 and went on to his eternal home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his brother, J.P. Hunter; children, Tawanna Cesare (Bob) and Jonathan Hunter; James “Ricky” Dennis, Carolyn Dennis, Faye Dennis, Yah-Ya Kamau, Taalib Abdur-Rahman, Sonia Dennis, Valerie Huff (Joe); 23 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; and countless extended family members and special friends. He will be missed. Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 10 am until his funeral service at 11 am on Saturday, August 10 at Second Baptist Church, 93 Liberty Street, Long Branch. Entombment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. Arrangements are by the Fiore Funeral Home, West Long Branch.