JAMES REVIS "J.R." HUNT, 89, longtime Ranger, TX resident,
passed away on April 8, 2011 at a Tarrant County hospital
after a brief illness.
J.R. Hunt was born on Feb. 11, 1922 in Ranger to Joe Scott
Hunt & Annie Falls Hunt. His family moved to Rockport,
TX early on in his childhood. The family moved back to
Ranger five years later; however, the Texas coast would
always be a special place for J.R.
J.R. finished his schooling at Ranger High School, graduating
in 1941. He took his first job with North American Aviation.
In January of 1943, he married Dovie Gailey of Strawn, where
they would make their home until 1968. While in Strawn, J.R.
was an active member of the community, which included volun-
teering for the Strawn fire department, driving the ambulance
for Edwards Funeral Home (before local EMS), and announcing
high school football games. J.R. was an active member of the
First Baptist Church in Strawn, where he was ordained as deacon
in 1953. J.R. also served as mayor of Strawn for several years.
As mayor, he was instrumental in the establishment of the town’s
sewer system and housing authority. He held several jobs during
his years in Strawn that included salesman and delivery positions,
selling cars at Staggs Chevrolet in Strawn, and operating a
service station. His final job in Strawn was as a vice president
at the Strawn National Bank.
J.R. and Dovie moved to Ranger in 1968, where he took a position
at the First State Bank. He later became the Executive Director
for the Housing Authority in Ranger. He was instrumental in the
renovation of the Gholston Hotel in its conversion to a retirement
facility. He moved his church membership to First Baptist Church
in Ranger where he would often be called to lead the singing and
to sing at funerals. His service to the Ranger community included
announcing high school and college football games, membership in
the Gideons International, and life-long membership to the Lions
Club.
After retirement, being the very social person that he was, he
enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He also enjoyed
spending time on his ranch. He donated a lot of his time helping
others through the years and set an example of great Christian
stewardship in his life. He was always quick witted and quick
with a joke. He had a gift for making people around him feel at
ease. He will be greatly missed by many.
Mr. Hunt is survived by one son Jimmy and his wife Judy of Gordon,
a grandson Shanon Hunt and wife Daphne of Stephenville, a grand-
daughter Shelly Hunt of Austin, and great-grandchildren Ava and
Riley James Hunt both of Stephenville. A nephew, Alton Harris of
Strawn, and a niece, Shirley Daniels of Gorman, also survive him.