Norman Kent Hunter, 86, of Lake Toxaway, entered into the presence of Jesus on Monday, July 6, 2026. Kent was a native of Jackson County and was the son of the late Sam Hunter and Irene Moody Hunter of Cashiers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Odell and Jerry Hunter: as well as his sweetheart, Elaine Barton Hunter who passed in March of 2025. Kent and Elaine were married for 65 years and the biggest part of his heart was buried with her.

Kent worked with his father and brothers in the grading business and built several developments and golf courses including Sapphire, Connestee, Hayesville, and Etowah. After leaving the grading business, Kent was blessed to work for McNeely Company, where he found a second family. He was a hardworking, fun loving, big hearted man with a firm handshake and a story for every occasion. He enjoyed farming a garden and catching fish, both of which he did well.Kent is survived by a son, Michael Hunter of Lake Toxaway, a daughter, Kristi Johnson (Joe) of Mills River: grandchildren-Abbey Owen (Jeremy) of Brevard, Noah Hunter (Kate) of Locust NC, Charlotte Woodbury (Brett) of Brevard, Corey Johnson of Mills River, Joanna Warren (Jacob) of Mills River, and Eden Brannon (Tyler) of Fayetteville: great grandchildren - Will and Sam Owen, Levi and Jesse Hunter, Brady and Everly Woodbury, and Harper, McKynlie, and Jake Warren. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Anders (Wayne) of Tuckasegee, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many extended family and friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at Lake Toxaway Baptist Church, 150 Toxaway Church Road. The family will receive friends from 12pm-2pm, with a memorial service at 2pm with Kent’s grandson, Jacob Warren officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. Flowers are welcome. For those that wish to send a memorial gift, please direct those to Lake Toxaway Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 482, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home in Brevard is caring for the family.

Mike and Kristi would like to extend a very special and heart felt “Thank You” to Care Partners Hospice. For those who cared for dad at home and those who loved on him and the family during his time at the Solace Center in Asheville, “You were an answer to our prayer and made a difficult time bearable with tender care that went above and beyond a job description.”