OBITUARY

Mr. Booker T. Hunt Sr., a devoted husband, father, and beloved “Papa,” peacefully transitioned on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the age of ninety. Mr. Hunt was a humble and kind gentleman, and a deeply respected pillar of the community. As the patriarch of his family, a mentor, and a role model, he left a lasting legacy. However, his greatest passion was serving others as a public servant in his role as a Funeral Director and Embalmer.

Born on September 16, 1934, to Junious and Climentine Hunt, Mr. Hunt was the eldest of five siblings: Juanita Chisholm, Oneder Hunt-Langston (who preceded him in death), Alphonso Hunt, and Sylvia Hunt. He was educated in the Alachua County public school system and later pursued his calling by attending the Atlanta College of Mortuary Science. Upon completing his degree in Embalming and Funeral Directing, he began an apprenticeship with Ceasar-Chestnut Funeral Home in Lake City, Florida.

His apprenticeship was temporarily interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army. Mr. Hunt served honorably in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. After his discharge, he resumed his apprenticeship under Haile & Pratt in Jacksonville, Florida, where he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

It was during his time in Lake City that he met his future wife, Gwendolyn Hunt. They later married and moved to Tallahassee, where Mr. Hunt earned a master's degree in education. This achievement led him to a position as Supervisor of the Education Department at Florida State Prison. In 1977, he fulfilled a long-held dream by founding The Booker T. Hunt Funeral Home, where he served the community with dignity, compassion, and respect until his passing.

Mr. Hunt accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member and deacon of St. Peter Baptist Church throughout his life. He was also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Masonic Lodge, and a decorated veteran. Alongside his wife, affectionately known as “Mother Hunt,” they served as foster parents for over 20 years, opening their home to more than 200 young men.

In addition to his charitable contributions, Mr. Hunt provided funeral services with grace and professionalism to countless families across the state of Florida for many years.

Mr. Hunt leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Gwendolyn “Momma Hunt”, five biological children and seven adopted children: Calvin D. Hunt (Lisa), Tonia Parks (John), Senetta Hunt, Booker T. Hunt Jr., Joseph T. Hunt, Charles M. Hunt, Angela Z.

Hunt, Michael Gene Lindsey Hunt, Kenny Paul Hunt, Justin O. Hunt, Damian Hunt, and Julius Hunt.

He is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Latalya Hunt (Paulie), Calvin Hunt Jr., Calvina Hunt, Melvin Durden Jr. (Alexandria), Simone Lee (Tobias), Ja’len Parks, Cory Durden (Brianna), Gentle Hunt, Joanna Hunt, Jamia Hunt, Timera Coleman, and Janquil Hunt; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

In Loving Memory of Donald Sorli
  April 29, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donald Sorli Sr. on April 29, 2025, at the VA Randall Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. He is survived by his wife Maria Lydia Sorli and four sons.

Join us to honor his memory:

 - Viewing: Tuesday, May 6, 5-7 PM at Booker T. Hunt Funeral Home, Newberry, FL

 - Funeral: Wednesday, May 7, 11:15 AM at Jacksonville National Cemetery

All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request live plants or donations to the Coast Guard Auxiliary (https://www.cgauxa.org/donate.html) in Donald and Lydia Sorli’s name, where they served honorably in retirement.

In Loving Memory of Ocilla M. Wilcox
   March 13, 2025

Ocilla M. Wilcox (70), widow of Reginald C. Wilcox of Archer, transitioned on March 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral Services for Mrs. Wilcox will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 17718 SW 83rd Avenue, Archer, FL 32618.

Interment will follow immediately in St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Resolutions may be submitted to bthuntfuneralhome@outlook.com no later than Friday, March 21st, 11:59 p.m.

In Loving Memory of Geneva P. Shaw
   December 13, 2024

Geneva P. Shaw, 88, entered peacefully into eternal rest on December 13, 2024, in Gainesville FL. Funeral services for Mrs. Shaw will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at St Peter Missionary Baptist Church, 17026 SW 83RD Ave. Archer, FL., and Pastor DeWayne McBride will be officiating. Interment will follow immediately at St. Peter Cemetery. Public viewing will be Friday, December 20, 2024 from 05:00PM to 7:00PM at the Hunt's Funeral Home at 24340 Newberry Lane, Newberry FL. Resolution may be sent to bthuntfuneralhome@outlook.com no later than 11:59 Friday, December 20, 2024.