E. A. "Budd" Hunt, 89, of Boone, passed away Friday, Sept. 7, 2012.

Born February 4, 1923, in Washington, Penn., he was a son of John and Ella Hunt. Budd was a veteran of the US Army stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, an event that shaped the rest of his life. Following his military service, He moved to Miami, Fla., and joined the City of Miami Fire Department. He remained with the department for 25 years, retiring as a Fire Inspector. Following retirement, Budd and his family moved to the Foscoe community where he served many years as Captain of the Foscoe Fire Department. He was a one of the founding members of the Foscoe Lions Club. Budd's life was the embodiment of service to his community and he dedicated his life to helping others. He loved music, ballroom dancing, and camping all across the U.S. and Canada. His love of life and his wonderful sense of humor were truly gifts that he shared with all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

A special thank you to Anita Eller, who was so much more than a hospice nurse to Budd, "You brightened even his darkest days."

He is survived by his wife, Mary "Dolly" Hunt, of Boone, who was his dance partner, travel buddy, and "Snow White" to his "Prince Charming." Budd is also survived by his children, Jack Hunt (wife, Jackie) of Yacht Barbara Ann; Julie Hunt of Mountain City, Tenn.; Gary Brannon of Boone; Jeff Brannon (wife, Jackie) of Charleston, S.C.; Jenny Byrnes (husband, John) of Pahrump, Nev.; Brian Willis (wife, Laura) of Black Mountain and Kristin Harmon (husband, Mike) of Sugar Grove. He is also survived by his sister, Peach Mawhinney, of Lancaster, Penn.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a younger brother, John Hunt.

Memorial services to celebrate the life of Budd Hunt will be conducted 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. l6, 2012, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Military honors will be provided by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Foscoe Fire Department, 9230 NC Hwy 105 South, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604, or to Medi-Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, N.C. 28657.

Online condolences may be expressed at the website http://www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hunt family.