James Revis "J.R." Hunt

RANGER - James Revis "J.R." Hunt, 89, a longtime Ranger, Texas, resident, died Friday April 8, 2011, at a Tarrant County hospital after a brief illness.. Service was Monday, April 11, at the First Baptist Church in Ranger. Visitation was Sunday evening at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Ranger.. J.R. Hunt was born Feb. 11, 1922, in Ranger to Joe Scott Hunt and Annie Falls Hunt. His family moved to Rockport, Texas, 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.. He 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 volunteering 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 lifelong 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 granddaughter, Shelly Hunt, of Austin; great-grandchildren Ava and Riley James Hunt, both of Stephenville; nephew, Alton Harris, of Strawn; and a niece, Shirley Daniels, of Gorman.. Edwards Funeral Home