Alton Lee Hunter

Alton Lee Hunter was born January 5, 1928 in Middleton, TN, the son of the late James and Nola Wallace Hunter. As a child his family moved back to their farm in the Hunter's Store community in McNairy County.

Mr. Hunter graduated from Selmer High School in 1946. Following graduation, he volunteered for the United States Navy, serving as a Pharmacist's Mate during the World War II period. After completion of duty, he attended Memphis State College and was then accepted to the University of Mississippi College of Pharmacy. While there he served as President of Phi Delta Chi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.

Upon graduation in 1952, as a registered pharmacist, Mr. Hunter moved to Hickory Flat, MS and opened his first drug store. After two years, he returned to Selmer, TN and founded Smith and Hunter Drugs with his partner, William E. Smith.

He was united in marriage to Flakie Moore of Selmer on April 24, 1960.

For 43 years, Mr. Hunter served his community as a pharmacist. He sold his business to Fred's Pharmacy in 1997 and semi-retired. He continued to serve the community as a part time pharmacist up until the week of his death.

Mr. Hunter was a devoted family man, avid reader and believer that education and knowledge was a key part of life. He loved working in his yard, mowing, planting, and tending to his trees and shrubs. He remained an avid Rebels fan and took pleasure in watching the University of Mississippi football games and visiting The Grove whenever he could.

Mr. Hunter was a life member Shriner of Al Chymia Temple in Memphis, and a fifty year member and 32nd Degree Mason in the Valley of Corinth, Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge. He also belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Battle of Shiloh Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was currently serving as Vice-President for the Selmer Senior Center Board, and was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Selmer.

Mr. Hunter departed this life on November 22, 2014 at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 86 Years, 10 Months, 17 Days. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Flakie (Moore) Hunter of Selmer, TN; a daughter, Jennie (Hunter) Smith and husband Thomas of Roswell, GA; a son, Dr. A. Lee Hunter, Jr. and wife Mary of Columbia, TN; two grandchildren, Mary Charles and Alton Lee Hunter, III; three nieces: Joy (Hunter) Austin of Jackson, TN, and Margaret Dixon and Carolyn (Dixon) Pierce, both of Memphis, TN; three cousins: Becky (Hunter) Conley, George Hunter, and Billy Wayne Hunter; and many more extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hunter was preceded in death by two brothers, John Robert Hunter and J. W. Hunter, and a sister, Grace (Hunter) Dixon.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Selmer, 1122 W. Cherry Avenue, Selmer, TN 38375 or St. Thomas West Hospital Foundation, Attention Heart Institute, 4220 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205.