H.L. Hungate, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully at home with his family on October 16, 2016. He was born August 12, 1927 in Radford, VA, a son of the late Hugh and Gretchen Hungate. He grew up in Roanoke, VA with brother, Elbert and sister, Jane, graduating from Jefferson High School. He had many stories to tell his family about his experiences as a paperboy in his younger years. He told them so many times his family knew the stories as well as he did. H.L. enlisted and served in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Iowa in the Pacific during WWII. After the war he came home and began working until retirement (42 years) at Fridgidaire Sales Corporation where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Walters. He and Elizabeth were married in September 1952 and have been together ever since. They had two children, Kenneth and Ann.

He loved being a leader of boys as he was a troop leader for Boy Scouts in Virginia and North Carolina for many years. He worked along with his boys until he, himself earned the distinction of Eagle Scout at the age of 29. Church was important to him where he taught Youth Sunday School and sang in the choir. He loved music. He sang as a tenor at Calvary Baptist Church in Roanoke as well as First Baptist Church in Lumberton. In his later years when his eyesight was poor and he suffered with dementia, he and Elizabeth both sang with the Senior Choir at First Baptist. One of the choir members noticed he was not turning the pages of the music with everyone else. As it turned out, he didn't have to, he knew most of the songs by heart. The fact that he could not see nor had a clear mind did not matter. He missed very few words or notes. Civic work was important to H.L. He was a member of the Lumberton Lions Club for many years where he served as President and was an eye donor.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Elbert Hungate.

Mr. Hungate is survived by his wife, Elizabeth along with his children, Kenneth Wayne Hungate (Wanda) and Ann Blair Crawford (Tommy); 6 grandchildren: Kevin (Kirsten), Eric (Marianne), Blake (Carla), Jill (Jonathan), Trent and Kelsey: along with 4 great-grandchildren: Sydney, Wyatt, Sophie, and Nolan.

The family would like to thank the people that cared for H.L. at Golden Living Rehab Center and the caregivers, Deondra McMillan, Candace McMillan and Lora, from Hospice who tenderly cared for him at home.

The memorial service honoring his life will be held at First Baptist Church, Thursday October 20, 2016 at 2:30 PM. The family will receive friends at the Cherry Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church from 1:00-2:30 PM. There will be a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Endowment Fund at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 938, Lumberton, NC 28359 or the charity of your choice.