Mr. Edward Lee Hunter, Sr.

Edward Lee Hunter, Sr. (best known as "Big Eddie") passed away peacefully on December 14, 2022 at the age of 83 after a courageous and long fought, multi-year battle against several health-related issues. Eddie was born on October 19, 1939 in Jacksonville, NC to parents Lawyer Henderson and Molly Hunter. He was raised by Charlie and Mary Boone in the small but close-knit community of Kellumtown, NC where he was baptized at First Missionary Baptist Church of Kellumtown. Eddie was a graduate of Georgetown High School in Jacksonville, NC, the only option black students had for a public education in Onslow County during that time. After graduating from high school, Eddie moved to Brooklyn, NY where he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During that time he married his childhood classmate, Violet Jean Hams. Their first child, Edward Jr., was born during his tour and residence in Reno, Nevada. Upon completing his military service, Eddie returned to NC where he began his civilian career as a Facility Engineer at Camp Lejune. His second child, Delorse, was born in Jacksonville, NC. As life delivered unexpected changes and adjustments, Eddie relocated to the Washington, DC area to pursue a better career opportunity. It was here that he met and then later married Brenda C. Savage in November 1980. The two were longtime residents of Oxon Hill, MD where they raised their blended family later relocating to Fort Washington, MD. Eddie resided in Fort Washington, MD until his passing. If you knew Eddie, then you enjoyed good conversation, knew his laughter and shared many smiles with him. He loved to know how you were doing. His quick wit, contagious humor and directness were unmatched. You always knew you held an extra special place in his heart if he called you by a nickname. He loved his family and friends dearly and enjoyed time spent cooking a feast, card playing and talking trash. He enjoyed outdoor sports including baseball, fishing, and hunting, and was the proud owner of an RV for several decades. Eddie also loved his community and was proud to be a Mason with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Eddie leaves to cherish his memory his son, Edward Lee Hunter, Jr. and daughter, Delorse (Hunter) Smith from his marriage to Violet Jean Hams; and Marlene, Tonya, and Malik, from his blended family with Brenda Hunter. Together they share several grandchildren, Takeya, Safiya, Ameera, and Jumanne, Cherice and Sharday, Marquis, Cameryn and Payton, a host of great grandchildren, and loving, daughters-in-law Lorrie and Gabriele. A Celebration of Life will be held for Edward Lee Hunter, Sr. on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Pope Funeral Home Forestville Chapel beginning with The Viewing at 10 am followed by The Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. Interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery.

Mr. Edward Lee Hunter, Sr.

October 19, 1939 - December 14, 2022