On Saturday, September 26, 2020, Dr. William (Bill) Austin Hunt passed away at the age of 88 years. He will be long remembered for his beautiful tenor voice and exemplary teaching and musicianship. Bill taught 48 years in university and public school levels. He and wife Sally retired from teaching in 2002 and moved to Sun City in 2007.

He was born in Sallisaw OK, on December 5, 1931, to deceased parents, John Anderson Hunt and Grace Estelle Yearwood Hunt. Bill is survived by Dr. Sally Lynne North (Timberlake) Hunt, his wife of 45 years. His surviving sons are Dr. James William Hunt, Dallas TX and Richard Clarke Hunt, Puebla, Mexico. Deceased are sons Robert Arden Hunt and John Lawrence Hunt. Step-son John Paul Timberlake resides in Clemmons NC. Bill's grandchildren are John Austin Hunt of Dallas TX; James Anderson Hunt of Los Angeles CA; Sarah Gail Timberlake, Goose Creek SC; and Samuel Prentice Timberlake, Clemmons NC. He was blessed with three great grandchildren Anders William and Georgia Catherine Hunt, Dallas TX; and William Andres Hunt Borres, Puebla, Mexico. Bill is also survived by loved nieces and nephews of the Hunt family.

In Oklahoma, Bill grew up in a large family with siblings Devota, John, Lela, Margaret (who survived 2 years), Kathryn Jane, Ovid Lee (Mickey), Joyce Romell, Charles Evans, and half-brother Herbert. Kathryn Jane Brod of McAlester OK, is the only surviving sibling.

In 1954, Bill completed a Bachelor of Music, Texas Wesleyan College, Fort Worth TX. The same year, he established Killeen (TX) High School's first choral program. After two years, he went to Pampa (TX) High School's choral program where he taught for three years. Bill spent six years, 1959-1965, as choral music director at McAllen (TX) High School.

He began his position as Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Tarleton State University, Stephenville TX in 1965. Bill also began graduate studies at North Texas State University, Denton TX 1968, completing Master of Music Education in 1968 and Doctor of Education in 1970.

Dr. Hunt was named Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma, Norman OK in 1969. His next position was at Northwestern State University (NSU), Natchitoches LA. In 1971 he was Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor; in addition, he was named Acting Head Department of Music. At the request of NSU's President Arnold Kilpatrick, Bill formed in 1974

a small ensemble of student singers and instrumentalists who became ambassadors and recruiters for NSU named "The Entertainers." The students performed "Top 40" arrangements and were enthusiastically received by high school students throughout Louisiana. Locally, the popular group performed at the Natchitoches Christmas Festival for many years.

In 1976, Bill was named Associate Professor at NSU and Music Director for the Louisiana Outdoor Drama Association, which premiered Josh Logan's "Louisiana Cavalier," a major musical production performed in an outdoor amphitheater in Natchitoches LA.

At NSU, Bill became Professor of Music in 1981 and Department Head for Theatre Arts in 1983. While serving on the faculty, he also was appointed to the Office for Research and Sponsored Programs for the University. Working with the faculty, he procured grants enhancing faculty development and academic programs. Significant federal grants he developed were Title III-1 (funded 1994) and Title 111-2 (funded 2005) which provided major funding for academic programs at NSU.

During the '90's, Bill and several NSU professors formed the "Back Porch Band," which had a varied repertoire with vocals, violin, cello, guitars, fiddles, flutes, pennywhistle, percussion instruments and keyboard played by Bill. The band members thoroughly enjoyed playing for festivals and fairs in LA and TX. The group made three popular CD's: "Take It Outside," "Sandy River," and "All Day Sunday." Bill led Jazz Ensemble Concerts at SGPC, 2013. Back Porch Band members and Friends performed concerts 2010, 2011, 2013 in Georgetown at the San Gabriel Presbyterian Church, to standing room only.

Bill loved reading about British history. Sally and Bill traveled to Ireland and Scotland, where he visited historical sites he had read about for years, including sites where his ancestor Robert the Bruce was remembered.

After retirement in 2002, Bill pursued his passion for family genealogical research. His prolific research about the Hunt family is stored in many large volumes. He helped Sally locate Revolutionary War Ancestors for her membership in Daughters of American Revolution. Then, he documented his Revolutionary War Ancestors and was inducted into the Alexander Hamilton Chapter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in Georgetown TX. He also proved SAR membership for son Jim; grandsons John and James; and nephew Jakob Charles Hunt.

Dr. Hunt was a founding member of Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA). A highlight of his career was the 60t ^h anniversary of TCDA where he was honored as a founder and was given the opportunity to conduct the familiar "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," sung together by hundreds of TX choral directors. He maintained membership in American Choral Directors Association and other professional music, education and research associations. In Natchitoches LA, he was a member of Rotary Club.

Bill conducted many choirs and major classical works throughout his career. He sang in many celebrated choirs such as Schola Cantorum under Dr. Bev Henson. After moving to Georgetown TX, he sang in Southwestern's San Gabriel Chorale and in San Gabriel Presbyterian's church choir.

Alliance Music Publishing Company publications, Dr. William A. Hunt as Composer, Arranger, Editor:

All My Trials, Lord

Belle of Belfast

Black is the Color of my True Lover's Hair

Die Einsame (from Vier Notturnos, Op. 22, No. 1)

Donkey Riding

Fairest Lord Jesus

King of Love My Shepherd Is

Kyrie Eleison

Maria Walks Amid the Thorns

01' Jim Dawg

Sanctus in d minor-Instrumental Parts

Star of the County Down

Also, "This Little Light of Mine," was loved and sung by countless choirs.

Bill's ready smile and twinkling blue eyes, kindness and humor endear him to students; professional colleagues and singers; family, friends, neighbors and community. He will be missed by his family and SGPC Church family. His extraordinary musical presence will be greatly missed by all singers and musicians wherever he was throughout his career.

The Hunt Family requests no flowers be sent. Instead, if you wish to make a donation in honor of Bill, please send donations to the worship music fund addressed to Sean Mann, Music Director, San Gabriel Presbyterian Church, 5404 Williams Drive, Georgetown TX 78633.

You may leave a message or memory in our online guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.