Charles B. Hunter

Charles B. Hunter, Master Sergeant, United States Air Force (Ret.), age 90, of Destin, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and man of faith whose life was defined by service, dedication, and love of family. Born on December 27, 1935, in Miami, Florida, he was the son of Charles M. Hunter and Nina Laverne (Folks) Hunter. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School before beginning a distinguished military career that would span nearly a quarter century.

In 1952, Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War as an Intelligence specialist stationed in South Korea. Following the war, he cross-trained into Civil Engineering and spent the majority of his 24-year Air Force career supporting the Strategic Air Command.

His military service took him around the world. Overseas assignments included Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan; Johnston Island, where he supported nuclear weapons testing operations; and Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan, where he completed a three-year tour. Stateside assignments included Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas; McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida; Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina; Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California; and England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he retired as a Master Sergeant in December 1977.

While stationed at Chennault Air Force Base, Charles met the love of his life, Jane Ella Marie Johnson. Their marriage endured for 68 years and became the foundation of a family that would grow to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his life.

Following his military retirement, Charles continued serving his country as a Department of Defense Civil Service employee, working in Civil Engineering until his retirement in 1992. He also pursued higher education, earning both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

A devoted Catholic, Charles was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a daily communicant at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Destin. His faith guided his life and provided strength, purpose, and gratitude throughout his many years.

Charles embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved international travel, boating, camping, road trips, and fast cars. He enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes, model railroading, and sharing music through the piano, accordion, and guitar. Whether exploring the world, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with family, he approached every endeavor with energy, determination, and joy.

Above all, Charles was a steadfast patriarch and role model whose wisdom, integrity, and unwavering support shaped generations of his family. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the values he passed on to those who loved him.

Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane Ella Marie (Johnson) Hunter; his parents, Charles M. Hunter and Nina Laverne Hunter; and his brother, Donald Hunter.

He is survived by his children: Charles Hunter, Colonel, USAF (Ret.) and wife Norma of Frisco, Texas; James Hunter, USN and Delta Air Lines Captain, and wife Lindsay of Peachtree City, Georgia; Renee Taylor and husband John, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), of San Antonio, Texas; and Deborah Duffey and husband Michael, Major, USAFR (Ret.) and retired UPS Captain, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Lauren Hunter; Alison Eikenberry and husband Justin; James Hunter; Laura Steiner and husband Louis, Major, U.S. Army; Brent Taylor, Captain, USAF, and wife Morgan, Captain, USAF; Sean Duffey and wife Lindsay; Kayla Duffey; Megan Duffey; and Erin Menchen and husband Jordan.

Additionally, he is survived by six cherished great-grandchildren: Mark, Clara, John, Ella, Sofia, and George, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 307 Beach Drive, Destin, Florida. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall.

Interment with military honors will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends attending the interment are asked to meet at the Olive Baptist Church Warrington Campus, 103 W Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507 at 1:30PM. The procession to Barracas National Cemetery will leave Olive Baptist Church Warrington Campus promptly at 1:45pm.

Charles will be remembered for his devotion to God, his love for Jane and his family, his distinguished military service, and the example of integrity, perseverance, and kindness that he set for all who knew him.