Tucker Westley Hunt, 13, of Chattanooga, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Friday, December 17, at his home.
A seventh grader at Baylor, Tucker was known for his kindness and contagious smile. His lighthearted sense of humor (as evidenced by his stated interests in “procrastinating and sleeping” and his request for a pet goat – to be named “Bulldog” or a pet bulldog to be named “Billy”) was a breath of fresh air for his many friends and family.
Tucker was uncommonly generous and frequently gave to others. Socks for a smaller kid whose feet were blistering, a piggyback ride for a younger child or even allowance money for a cousin, for no reason other than kindness. Having lost a family friend to neuroblastoma, Tucker became an advocate Emily’s Power for a Cure.
Tucker, affectionately known as “the Tuckman” and more recently “Ginger,” loved sports – playing sports, watching sports, keeping up with news about sports. He played football and lacrosse at Baylor.
Tucker embraced life, friends and family with his whole heart. An open and curious soul, he was a pied piper for smaller children, whether family members or strangers. He loved music of all kinds – from Johnny Cash to Bob Marley to Jay-Z to the Beatles.
Tucker was a remarkable young man – affectionate, enthusiastic, generous, supportive, open, kind, playful and funny. He will live forever in the hearts and spirits of his parents, Steve and Kim Hunt, brothers, Spencer and Cannon Hunt, and grandparents, Joe and Bobbye Cannon. Tucker now watches over an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins who adored him: his uncles and aunts Terry Cannon and Deanna Duncan, Jeff Cannon, Ruth and David Wilson, Susan and Jaye Harris, all of the Chattanooga area, Kim and Ealum McDonald of Rossville, and Patrick and Melanie Hunt of Knoxville.
His cousins, Duncan and Preston Cannon, Christopher and Emily Wilson, Camille Hunt and Jackson, Duncan and Riley Harris; paternal grandparents, James and Jackie Hunt and his Uncle Craig Brown preceded him in death.
The family is overwhelmed with gratitude by the hundreds of letters, phone calls, prayers and kind gestures from friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Emily’s Power for a Cure, P.O. Box 1387, Hixson, Tn. 37343, or Saint Peters School, 848 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415.
The family will receive friends at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 3-6 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 20, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 2 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers are the members of St. Peter’s School Class of 2009 and Tucker’s 7th grade classmates at Baylor.
Tucker’s extended family of friends and classmates are invited to join in a celebration of his life at Loose Cannon Gallery, 1800 Rossville Ave. in downtown Chattanooga, on Monday from 4-7 p.m. All are welcome.
Please visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace.