G. Brent Hunter

Grady "Brent" Hunter passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Brent was born to Grady J. and Nell Warden Hunter July 8, 1958 in Yadkin County.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Otto and Mallie Hunter, maternal grandparents Homer and Lucille Williams, both parents, sister Glenda H. Chambers, nephew Nathan Rose,  and brother-in-law Eddie Hampton.  He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Leshia Bryant Hunter, son Landon (Autumn) Hunter, daughter Jessica (Chris) Cheek, grandchildren Mali Hunter and Greyson Cheek, sisters Darlene Hampton and Lynn (Dale) Rose, brother-in-law David Chambers, sister-in-law Debby (Dan) Hoots, nieces and nephews Brian Rose, Sarah (Matt) Baldwin, Amie Rose, Jonathan "J.D." Chambers, Nicholas (Danyelle) Hampton, Bridget Hampton, Brant (Amy) Snow and many great nieces and nephews.

Brent graduated from Starmount High School in 1976 with the Citizenship Award.  While at Starmount he was a member of FFA for 4 years where he earned the Greenhand Award, Chapter Farmer Award, State FFA Farmer Award, American Farmer Degree, served as Chapter Vice-President and was 1 of 3 Starmount students to be named State FFA officer.   He graduated from Surry Community College with three agricultural degrees – Ag Technology, Ag Business and Horticulture Technology.  Brent was a member of the Boonville Volunteer Fire Department for 16 years during which he received his EMT and EMT IV Certifications and worked for Yadkin County EMS for 4 years.

Brent received a 2 year Phillip Morris Fellowship in conjunction with NC State University, where he and other farmers from the southeastern US learned how to advocate for farming.  Brent was selected to complete his father’s term as County Commissioner when he passed away in January, 2001.  Brent was subsequently elected to and served a 2 year term.  The accomplishments he was most proud of during this time were buying the land for the 5D water project, having the County zoned, and getting a standalone Farmland Preservation Ordinance enacted. 

Brent started Hunter Farms in 1972 raising corn, tobacco and soy beans.  He transitioned to corn, soybeans and produce in 2016 and transferred Hunter Farms Family Produce to Landon and Autumn in 2019.  He served on many boards and committees during the last 20 years including Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Old Belt Farmers Co-op Board of Directors, NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, Yadkin County Ag Leadership Council and Volunteer Ag District Board, Yadkin County Farmers Market Board as well as several others. He enjoyed serving the agricultural community and feeling that he had somehow made a positive difference for the generations to come.

Brent was saved at a spring revival and baptized 4/8/1968.  He was a member of Boonville Baptist Church where his funeral will be held on Thursday, September 23, at 2:00 pm with Rev. John Brown, Rev. Brent Winslow and Mr. Justin Somers officiating. Burial will follow in Boonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville.  Brent's request was for no neckties to be worn at the visitation or funeral; casual dress please.  If you would like, wear a red shirt in honor of his favorite college team (NCSU) and his favorite tractor (Massey Ferguson).

 We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to the wonderful staff of Mountain Valley Hospice who cared for Brent for the past several months and  especially the staff at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice House who cared for him during his final days. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 401 Technology Lane Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030.

Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.  Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Hunter family.