Rev. Ernest Hunter

Rev. Ernest Hunter, age 84 of Clarkesville, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2009, at Habersham County Medical Center following a brief illness.



Born in York, South Carolina, on May 10, 1924, he was the son of the late Jesse and Oma Hollifield Hunter. Rev. Hunter was a general contractor in his early years and was a United States Navy veteran, serving as a Coxsin on the USS Swearer during WWII(1941-1946). He was a pastor with the Church of God, serving actively for 56 years and still continued preaching occasionally after retiring in August of 2004. Rev. Hunter served as pastor of Clarkesville Church of God for 30 years, where he erected a new sanctuary and Family Life Center. He also served the Clayton Church of God, building a new church there as well, and the Turnerville Church of God. Rev. Hunter was well known for visiting with and praying for anyone in need and had mentored 17 young ministers into the pastorate. One of his greatest joys was playing his guitar and singing with his children. In addition to his parents, Rev. Hunter is also preceded in death by brothers, Clarence and Daniel Hunter; sisters, Edith Marshall and Mildred George.



Surviving are wife of 62 years, Errie Eller Hunter, who is residing at Habersham Home East; daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Thurman Carpenter of Clarkesville, Diane and Jackie Kent of Demorest, Golda and Larry Shubert of Demorest and Tracy and Chris Allison of Mt. Airy; daughters, Shelia Carson of Demorest and Vickie Hunter of Augusta; son and daughter-in-law, Ernest Carlton, Jr. and Kim Hunter; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, three nephews and four nieces also survive.



A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Clarkesville Church of God with Revs. Raburn Wilson, Jarvis Bennett, Ralph Smith and Tim Tanner officiating. Interment will follow at the Turnerville Church of God cemetery in Hollywood with Rev. A.J. Skelton officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post # 7720, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15 and Habersham County American Legion Post #84. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8pm on Monday and from 2-4 & 6-8pm on Tuesday. Flowers are accepted or memorials be made to the Clarkesville Church of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 322, Clarkesville, GA 30523. The family is at the residence of daughter, Kathy Carpenter, 287 Morgan Drive, Clarkesville, GA 30523.



An online guest register is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.



McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706.778.8668) is in charge of arrangements.