John Willie "Sugarbear" Hunter

John Willie "Sugarbear" Hunter, a cherished member of the Statesboro community, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at the Westwood Nursing Home in Statesboro, Georgia, after an extended illness. Born on September 27, 1944, in Statesboro, Bulloch County, Georgia to the late John Willie "Bill" Hunter, Sr and Mrs. Lillian Johnson Hunter, he lived a life marked by devotion to family, community, and a strong work ethic.

A proud graduate of William James High School, Class of 1967, Hunter completed his education while balancing his responsibilities working in custodial services both before and after school. This determination set the foundation for a lifelong career, during which he held various positions at notable establishments including Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, ITT Grinnell, Harvey's, Food World, and ultimately retired from the Bulloch County Board of Education.

Hunter was a devoted member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where he served in the choir and the board of Trustees. His personality was characterized by a gentle, easy-going nature, and he was deeply loved by family and friends.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Petronia Canty Hunter, who resides in Statesboro, Georgia. He is also survived by his daughter, Keyshia Hunter, Metter, Georgia, and two sons he raised as his own, Cedrick Bacon (Katrina), Reidsville, Georgia, and Christopher Bacon  Las Vegas, Nevada. Additionally, Hunter embraced two bonus sons, Craig Grant of Statesboro, Georgia, and Charles Kollock of Atlanta, Georgia. His legacy continues with three sisters— Eloise Hunter Ford and Louise Hunter (James) Anderson, both of Chicago, Illinois, and Rodie Hunter, Statesboro, GA—and one brother, Lee Watts Hunter (Katherine) of Statesboro, Georgia. Furthermore, he is remembered by his in-laws, Barbara Natson and Sharon Canty, both of Statesboro, Georgia, and Emma Canty of Atlanta, Georgia. Reverend James C. Canty (Cynthia) and Deacon Alfred Canty, both of Statesboro, Georgia, as well as Willie Canty (Felecia) and Derwin Canty (Tracey), both of Albany, Georgia, also survive him. Hunter leaves behind nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, alongside a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James Edward Hunter and Willie C. Hunter, and a sister, Rose Dean Hunter-Tuck.

The Celebration of Life for Mr. Hunter will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, with the pastor Reverend James C. Canty, Sr, eulogist, and the Reverend R. L. Johnson, presiding.  interment will be in the Springhead United Methodist Church, Jink Hill, Georgia.

A walk-through Visitation Will be on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 pm at the funeral home.

John Willie "Sugarbear" Hunter will be remembered fondly for his nurturing spirit, strong work ethic, and the love he shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him. His contributions to his family and community will leave a lasting impression for years to come.