Mr. Ardeen Hunt, age 77, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC. He was born in Robeson County, NC on January 23, 1944 to the late James Earl Hunt and the late Dora Hunt. He was a retired educator for The Public Schools of Robeson County.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Lazell Hunt, L.J. Hunt, James Wilton "Buddy" Hunt, and Barver "Bobby" Hunt, and two sisters, Doreen Jacobs and Frances Hunt.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Catherine "Cathy" Hunt of the home; his sons, Ardeen Hunt, Jr. and wife Belinda of Fairmont, NC, Jerome Hunt and wife Lisa of Red Springs, NC and an adopted son, André Smith of Florida; a daughter, Frances Hunt Lowery and husband Greg of Lumberton, NC; the mother of his children, Foncine Hunt of Fairmont, NC; six grandchildren: Kaitlyn Hunt, Colin Deen Hunt, Hannah Lowery, Colby Deen Hunt, Cal Hunt, and Daniel Lowery; a great-grandson, Weston Deen Hunt; two brothers, Larece Hunt of Fairmont, NC and Gerald Hunt of Lumberton, NC; three sisters: Ruth Goins of Sebring, FL, Mabel Revels of Maxton, NC, and Nezzie Hunt of Fairmont, NC; and a special friend, Paul Hunt of Rowland, NC.

Ardeen grew up on a farm where he quickly learned that if he didn't want to crop tobacco all his life he needed an education. He graduated from Fairgrove High School in 1963 with honors. He went on to obtain a degree in education from Pembroke State College (now UNC-Pembroke) and a Master's in School Administration, leading to a fulfilling career with The Public Schools of Robeson County. During his time with the school system, he served in numerous roles to include teacher, coach, athletic director, driver's education instructor, assistant principal, and principal. His 50-year career is a testament to the importance he placed on the need for education.

His tenure in education allowed him to develop many lasting and valuable relationships. Wherever he went, he would often hear someone shout out "Mr. Ardeen!", proving the adage "If you don't know him, you must not be from around here." He will forever be a Fairgrove Bear, a South Robeson Mustang, and an Orrum Raider. He will be remembered as The G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) by all who knew him. He was a man who always worked hard, left people with a smile, and helped as many as he could.

After retirement, he worked for the Lumber River Council of Governments (COG) as a grant facilitator for their Youth Opportunity (YO!) program. He was called back into education to serve as Principal of West Hoke Middle School in Hoke County, NC, at the request of the School Superintendent. Returning to The Public Schools of Robeson County, he concluded his career as a program director for the 21 ^st Century Community Learning Center After-School Program.

His love of athletics led him to build Greengrove Softball Park, where he hosted men's and women's softball leagues and tournaments. Many in our community will happily reminisce about the summer afternoons spent "playing ball" at the park.

He and his dear friends, Leon Maynor and Van Sampson, started the Southern Officials Association with the goal of training local residents to officiate at various athletic events for the Robeson County and Lumberton Recreation Departments. From there, several have gone on to officiate for high school and college athletics. He was also the owner-operator for Hunt's Lawn Care Service for 20 years.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Sunday, September 5, 2021, from 2:00-3:00 PM at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM with the Rev. Steven Hunt and Rev. Crafton Chavis officiating.

Flowers are welcome; but, if you'd like, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: South Robeson Intermediate School, 3268 South Robeson Road, Rowland, NC 28383, or to: Orrum Middle School Athletic Dept., 1684 South Creek Road, Orrum, NC  28369.