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Gary Lynn Hunt Jun 3, 1947 - Jun 8, 2025
Posted by Terry Dudley
Gary Lynn Hunt was born to proud parents Joseph Robert Hunt and Willie
Geraldine (Doan) Hunt on June the 3rd, 1947 in Chico, California. He was
their 3rd son and his older brothers Ronnie and Kenny were his heroes
throughout childhood. Gary loved growing up in California and he often
reminisced about spending his youth surfing, playing sports, and all the
time he spent with his cousins at their huge family gatherings. Gary did not
graduate high school, instead, he obtained his GED so that he could join the
military. He proudly served in the United States Army as a soldier in
Vietnam. After he returned from overseas he struggled readjusting to
civilian life and so he worked in miscellaneous construction jobs etc. until
he decided to move to Southeastern, OK where the majority of his family was
living. It was there, in Idabel, OK, that he met the love of his life,
Shirley Clay. They married within 6 months of meeting each other and would
spend 46 years together before she preceded him in death in April of 2025.
Shortly after they married, they moved to West Monroe, LA so that Gary could
attend The White’s Ferry Rd School of Preaching. It was there that they
welcomed twin daughters, Shauna and Shammi to the world in December of 1981
and then Shelli was born a year later in December of 1982. Armed with his
degree in Ministry and three new babies Gary and Shirley accepted a
preaching position in Lane, OK. The family relocated to Atoka and remained
there for the rest of their lives. They added Nina to their crew in 1999 and
their family was finally complete.
If you’ve lived in Atoka for any amount of time, you’ve met Gary. He was
notorious for singing (LOUDLY) everywhere he went. If he wasn’t serenading
you with Elvis songs, he was ensuring that you knew Jesus, and if you
didn’t, you were at least going to hear about Him. If Gary was able to
combine singing and evangelizing with fishing, he was literally living out
his idea of Heaven on earth. He loved Jesus, he loved people and he LOVED
to talk. He decided that he wanted to dive into Taekwondo in his late 50’s
and he received his black belt at 60. He also realized his life-long dream
of being a published author and recently published a book of poetry.
Despite how proud he was of his wife and daughters, being a grandfather was
his greatest joy. It softened him, changed him for the better. There is no
way to estimate how much money he’s spent on suckers and silly little
trinkets over the last 16 years. His grandchildren melted him and he was
defenseless against their charms. He loved holding them in his lap, watching
cartoons with them and being as silly as he wanted to be because they all
adored it.
Although he was remarkedly healthy for his age and life experiences,
ultimately, he didn’t know how to live in a world where Shirley no longer
existed. Two months after her passing, he joined her. He passed peacefully
with his daughters at his bedside.
He leaves behind to honor his legacy, his daughters, Shauna and David Harendt of Blue, OK, Shammi and Trevor Jackson of Centerpoint, OK, Shelli
Ginden and her fiance Woody Foster of Arpelar, OK. And Nina Hunt of Ada, OK.
Chad Whisman of Quincy, California and countless other foster children and
babies they raised in their home. Grandchildren Jacob Harendt, Olivia
Harendt, Analyce Jackson, Chaini Hunt-Ginden, Kayli Jackson, Dylan Keeler,
Hadli Keeler, Claysen Ginden, Atlee Harendt and Lola Harendt as well as a
host of nieces and nephews that was loved. Brother, Kenny Hunt and wife
Shirin of Kauai, HI.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents “Joe and Gerry”,
a son-in-law Michael Keeler, a brother Ronnie Hunt, his in-laws Doyle and
Mary Clay, a sister-in-law Pamela Edson and her husband Pat Edson and a
brother-in-law Jery Clay.
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DATE OF SERVICES:
10:00 AM Monday, June 16th, 2025
PLACE OF SERVICES:
Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Bro. Joey Lansdale and Bro. Loyd Thompson
INTERMENT:
County Line Cemetery, Pickens, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: David Harendt, Trevor Jackson, Woody Foster, Jacob Harendt,
Jaceb Jenkins, Bruce Beatty
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Roger Holley, Bob Holley, Loyd Thompson, Father
Claude Lovett, Mark McPherson, Wren Valentine, Robert Ginden, Tim Riley
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE
REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY NIGHT IS SUNDAY 6-8PM Any and all friends are welcome to come
reminisce and share “Gary Stories”.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to The Wounded Warriors
Project.
SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK
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