Richard James "Rick" "Dad" Hunter, Sr., 78, (FHP, Sgt., Retired), of Palatka, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, Palatka, surrounded by his wife and family. The son of Robert Hunter and Essie Mae Bell, he was born on Sunday, September 23, 1945, in Jesup, GA. He was educated and a graduate of Wayne County, GA School District. He continued his educational pursuit at Fort Valley State College, earning an Associate's Degree.  On September 23, 1971, he was united in holy matrimony to the former Phyllis Delores Clark in Grady County, GA.  In his early years, he was employed with Florida Furniture Industries for ten years.  In April of 1982, Richard graduated from the Florida Highway Patrol Academy, Tallahassee, FL.  His tenure with the Florida Highway Patrol commenced on March 15, 1982 and climaxed on March 25, 2007, for an impeccable twenty-five-year career as one of "Florida's Finest State Troopers" and first African-American FL highway patrolman assigned to Putnam County.  Over many years, Richard earned and received numerous accolades, including certificates of Appreciation for Outstanding Participation in Buckle Up Florida Enforcement Wave, various meritorious honors and the FHP Service Anniversary award for 20 years of dedicated service.

Richard and his family were former members of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Palatka, and in subsequent years worshiped at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church of Gainesville and Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church of Palatka.  He enjoyed gardening, watching tennis matches, shooting at the gun range, and playing Solitaire on the computer.  "Rick" was an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in eternal rest by his sisters, Dorothy Hunter, Susie Mae Smith, and Sivilla Sims; brother, Samuel Hunter.

To cherish his memories: devoted wife of 52 years, Phyllis Deloris Hunter; sons, Richard Hunter Jr. and Leon O. (Alexandria) Hunter; daughter, Tiffeny Hunter Cross; grandson, Landon Hunter; granddaughter, Olivia Hunter; brothers, Arnos Hunter and Robert (Iris) Hunter; sisters, Rose (Bill) Hutchinson, Lily (Henry) Baker, Robbie Hunter, and Edith Hunter; godchildren; Eugene King and Louis Howell III.

Public Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Friday, November 10 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka.  Homegoing Celebration: 2 p.m., Saturday, November 11 at Mt. Tabor, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor, (FHP Troop- G Chaplain), presiding.  The Reverend Dr. Geraldine Williams McClellan, Retired Superintendent, FL Conference of United Methodist Churches (Associate Pastor, Passage Family Church, Gainesville), is the eulogist. Interment with Law Enforcement Honors immediately following the service at Oak Hill West Cemetery, 712 S. Palm Avenue, Palatka.