Walter Edward Hunt

Walter Edward Hunt of Orlando, Florida, passed away on June 5, 2022 after a hard-fought battle against dementia. Born in Columbus, Georgia to Edward Daniel Hunt and Ruth Gardner Hunt, Walt (also known as Buddy while a child) grew up in the Masonic Home of Georgia with his siblings, Earl, Butch, and Mary Ellen. At The Home in Macon, he learned life skills that would later direct his career path, and he enjoyed summers at the Masonic Home camp in Shellman Bluff, Georgia. He was a lifeguard and taught many children how to swim and ski on the tidal river where the camp remains today. After he was graduated from Lanier High School in Macon, Walt attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where he participated in plays and designed electrical systems on lights and sound boards, and was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The theater bug even led him to act in an off-Broadway play. He had several jobs as a young adult, living in Georgia and New York, when he finally returned to Florida. He enjoyed working for local radio stations, including in DeLand. In July 1971 he was hired as an electrician and was part of the opening cast of the Magic Kingdom. His career with the Walt Disney Company spanned more than 20 years, where he also worked at Epcot and MGM Studios before retiring in the mid-1990s. After retirement, Walt enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing poker and trivia, and going to Mr. Quick Restaurant every day for grits or grilled cheese, and coffee. He had a tender heart for people who fell on hard times, and tried to help them when he could. In May 2021 he moved to Grand Villa Senior Living Center in Altamonte Springs, where he received wonderful care in the assisted living unit. Even as he faced health challenges throughout the last few months of his life, he very often made his health care team laugh with his quick wit. When asked how he was feeling, he would respond by saying with his fingertips. As dementia started to take over, he still had his sense of humor and would sing along to oldies, especially anything by Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys. On Sunday afternoons he would ask his daughter to play the anthems and organ music from her church service. He appreciated music of all kinds, and this became a special ritual. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Hunt; sister Mary Ellen Hunt (Allen); sister-in-law Patricia Rocheleau; sister-in-law Beverly Hunt; nieces and nephews Cynthia Hunt (Jill Hughes); Matthew Hunt (Jessica); Melinda Hunt; Tina Imre (Martin); Jessica Fitch (Allyn); David Hunt (Viola); Leroy Hunt (Ciji); numerous great-nephews and great-nieces; and his Masonic Home family. A requiem eucharist will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 130 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the music ministry of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 130 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801, or the superintendent’s discretionary fund of the Masonic Home of Georgia, 1417 Nottingham Drive, Macon, Georgia 31211.

Walter Edward Hunt

March 22, 1937 - June 5, 2022