William "Al" Hunter

William Alvin Hunter known as Al to most, heard his mother's voice and crossed over to be with the Lord, Saturday June 21, 2014 at 5:12 a.m. at Morse Geriatric Rehabilitation Center in West Palm Beach Florida. Born January 13, 1929 in Manhattan NY to John and Agusta Hunter he was the second child of this union. His father, John Hunter had 2 older sons from a previous marriage, Raymond and Alfred. At a young age Al played the saxophone and aspired to become a Jazz saxophonist. His brother Raymond used to sneak him into the jazz clubs in Harlem to play the saxophone until his father found out and forbade him to go back. His father John (an accomplished violinist) wanted Al to study classical music, but Jazz was in his heart! In 1945 he married his childhood sweetheart, Naomi Guy and out of that union 4 children were born, Sandra, who preceded him in death, William Jr., John and Sheryl. Al worked hard for his family and spent several years at the post office as a mail carrier until he left to pursue a career in the travel industry. He always dreamed of traveling around the world and he was able to fulfill his dream of traveling when he worked for KLM, British Airways and others. In many cases he was the 1st African American to hold certain positions at those airlines. Al continued to increase his knowledge in sales and marketing by taking classes at Manhattan City College and through industry seminars. Al later married Frances Muldrow and there were no children from that union. He was blessed to have traveled to destinations like Africa, Asia, Europe, Haiti and all the Caribbean Islands. Along his journey he met influential people like Bishop Desmond TuTu, Nelson Mandela, Rev. Jessie Jackson, and former Mayor David Dinkins, senators, actors and famous musicians. Although Al loved traveling and meeting new people, his first love was his family, immediate and extended. He was an extremely proud organized man and most proud of each of his children and he spoiled and loved each of his grandchildren. At one of the big airline trade shows in NY Al met Constance in 1971. They were good friends until 1978 when their friendship blossomed into romance which led to marriage and they have been loving partners for the last 36 years. Connie has loved and cared for him from that time until Jesus carried him home last Saturday, June 22, 2014. Together Connie and Al have nurtured and loved their blended family of 7 children (Sandra Marie, William Jr, John, Sheryl, Michael, Patricia, Sandra Noel) 45 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Al leaves behind his loving devoted wife Connie, sons Bill and John and their spouses, Gwyn and Dolores; daughter Sheryl and her husband Vernon, stepson Michael and his wife Joan, step daughters Sandra and her husband Manny and Patricia and her spouse Cindy; his sister, Helen and her husband Vincent; a host of grandchildren, great grand children, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, God son Steven, cousins, numerous in-laws, friends and colleagues. Preceding William Alvin Hunter in death; his parents John and Augusta and loving daughter Sandra Marie. Viewing will be Friday, June 27, 2014, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Palms West Funeral Home and Crematory, Royal Palm Beach. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2014, at St. David's in the Pines Episcopal Church in Wellington at 12 noon; Repast immediately following at International Polo Club, Wellington The family would like to express our sincerest gratitude for all of your calls, flowers, gifts and visits during our time of grief. We would also like to thank his caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care as well as the staff at Morse Geriatric who cared for him, Thank you for going the extra mile. May God Bless you!