Robert Nolan “Bob” Hunter
March 12, 1949 – July 5, 2019
After a long and courageous struggle with cancer, Robert Nolan “Bob” Hunter, age 70, Midlothian, VA beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Friday, July 5th 2019, at his home. Bob grew up in Swannanoa, NC to the late William Bainbridge Hunter and Annie Wallin Hunter.
He was a 1967 graduate of Charles D. Owen High School and continued his schooling with a BS at East Tennessee State University, then finishing up at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Dental School class of 1977. Bob was a dentist in private practice. Most of his 30+years as a dentist were spent serving the veterans at various VAMC. He retired as Chief of Dental Services at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center, Johnson City, TN.
He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile and his kind and caring spirit. His family was the most important aspect of his life. Living in Johnson City, TN most of his life but decided to move to Midlothian to be closer to his daughter and grandkids. They were the highlight of his life along with his Loving wife of almost 48 years, Rita. Bob loved spending time with his family and he loved to fish. He often made his own flies for fly-fishing, which he enjoyed with his son, Travis, who unexpectedly passed away 8 years ago in a mountain bike accident in Colorado.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Rita Bowlin Hunter; a daughter Shannon Hunter McConville and husband Chad; 2 grandchildren, Lilah, and Paxton McConville; a sister Cora Lee Hunter Brackett and husband Teddy; a niece Faith Gardin and husband Josh; great-nephew Maverick Gardin (and his twin, Declan is with Bob in heaven) of Swannanoa, NC; and a nephew Cliff Bowlin of Morristown, TN.
It was Bob’s wishes to be cremated, a Memorial service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, July 13th at St. Marks Methodist Church with Pastor Fran Cooper officiating. Reception afterward at church. There will be a celebration of life ceremony in Johnson City, TN at a later date.
The family wants to express gratitude to an amazing and compassionate medical team that were involved and supportive of every aspect of his cancerous journey: Oncologist, Dr. Y. Choudhary and Radiation Oncologist, Dr. D. Randolph, Sr. and their staffs. We would also like to thank James River Hospice for their compassionate care of Bob. In Lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Johnson Willis Hospital, Richmond, VA or the Hawthorne Cancer Resource Center at Johnston Willis Hospital
Rita, my sweet cousin… I have you and the family in my prayers. I love you always… here to do any thing or just talk at ANY hour. XO Sheila
Our deepest condolences to you Rita and the entire family. Bob was a blessing to everyone who knew him, and his wonderful spirit and infectious optimism is truely going to be missed.
Such a kind and fun loving man. May the good Lord wrap his fatherly arms around him and hold him close. Dennis and Carol Lutz
Rita, we have loved you, Bob, and Shannon from the moment we met many years ago. I loved Bob’s sense of humor, laugh, and especially threat big hugs. He was such a kind man. I know you will miss him, but know you have precious memories and deep faith to sustain you in the coming days.
Such a wonderful friend, coworker and person. Bob could always make you world better just by being in it! Rita, our love and prayers are with you and the rest of your family as you go forth into this new world. God is great and He will guide you all the way. Sincerely, ken Harrison and Martha Trevathan ❤️🙏❤️
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Rita, a lovely write up about Bob and your family. In all the years I have known him I never knew his middle name was Nolan, which may explain why I thought so much of him, that was also my dad’s middle name. They would have liked each other. Prayers and hugs for you all, Jasen sends hugs from Japan, he thought a lot of Bob also.
Rita, so sorry for your loss. I was so fortunate to work for him at Mtn Home. He was a great boss and friend. I will miss his smile.
Bob hired me at the VA in 2011…only got to work with him for several months but I can say he cared deeply for the Veterans and had an amazing sense of humor. There was and will only ever be one like Bob Hunter. God bless your family.
Rita, We only had a short period in our life
To have had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with Bob. He had a lasting spirit that I will always remember.
Please accept our sympathy and love to you, Shannon and family.
I hope someday we can re-connect
With Love,
Joanne and Toby Tyler
I just loved this man! Always smiling and always gave me the biggest bear hugs when I would see him. He was like a father to me and she sure was a good one. I will truly miss him. With all my love
From those of us who were privileged to work with Dr. Bob at the James H. Quillen VA Hospital, we send our heart-felt thoughts and prayers to you, Rita. Bob was a joy to hear and see in our early morning staff meetings with our Director. Bob could speak truth to some very difficult situations with his trademark humor and wide smile. He will never be forgotten. He will always be our hero. No doubt Bob is entertaining angels as I write this.
So very sorry for you loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Rita, Shannon and family My thoughts are with you all so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man.
Take care
Robin
Rita & family,
I’m so sadden to hear about Bobs passing. He was truly an awesome man. Each of you are in my thoughts & prayers. May God wrap his arms about you to give you comfort & peace at this very difficult time. Love you!
RITA AND ALL BOBS FAMILY..GOD BLESS YOU
.WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.. BOB MADE ME LAUGH SO MANY TIMES..HE WAS ALWAYS KIND TO ME.HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL HIS FRIEDS AND FAMILY..OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO EACH OF YOU ..WE LOVE YOUU ALL..MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL AND GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT IN THESE HARD TIMES. LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH.
A blessed man with a blessed family. May God reach down His mighty arms and surround you with His Peace and comfort in your time of loss. A friend for many years, I mourn with you and will hold you close in my prayers. Loving you and praying for you in Johnson City. I’m here to help and comfort in any way possible. May God bless Rita, Shannon and the grandchildren. Bob’s loss is real and great. A friend has “gone on” but I hold that we will all be reunited someday. With love and affection, Doug
My love and prayers go to the family of Dr. Hunter. I worked in an office across from him when he was on Watauga Avenue in Johnson City and it was always a joy to see his smiling face. He always kept us laughing. He is now in the arms of Jesus.
I worked with Bob at the Mountain Home VAMC for many years. I respected him as a colleague, and cherished him as a friend who is sorely missed. My sincere condolence to his family and his many friends.
Rita, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He and I grew up on Bee Tree and graduated together. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Rita, CoraLee & Family-I had the privilege of starting first grade with Bob & graduated Owen High & then we lost touch going different directions. What a shame to miss his million smiles and laughs, my loss! Certainly look forward to seeing Bob on the Heavenly side! No doubt he touched thousands of lives! I loved Bob and respected him tremendously, as all who knew him! RIP Bob! God strengthen and bless the family!
Rita and Shannon
Remebering timess our family spent with you
Bob was alwzys so positive. A fun but caring guy to be around
I know he fought hard to ztay with you
My heart and prayers go out to all of Bob’s family at this difficult time. I have known Bob since first grade in Swannanoa and remember him with a smile always on his face and his kindness. He will be missed by many.
Beverly Penley Ramsey
Dear Rita
What wonderful friends you and Bob are. We will dearly miss Bob’s presence in this world because he added so much to every one’s life around him. Your description of Bob was perfect. Please remember you are loved and in our prayers.
Always, Ronnie and Janet Stout
Dear Rita,
My heart aches for the loss you are feeling today. Life has a beginning and truly we realize an ending. The journey takes us to our new beginning. We will be together again with our loved ones! We both feel the terrible loss of our beloved husband and our firstborns. Oh so difficult to understand but Faith will keep us strong.
Feel God’s loving arms around you giving you comfort and the prayers from our family to give you the strength you need to begin this new norm.
Till I see you here in JC – remember I love you and your precious family.
Karen Hicks
Rita, I’m so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. Love , hugs and prayers to you, Shannon and those beautiful grandchildren.