Gary Lynn Hunt was born to proud parents Joseph Robert Hunt and Willie Geraldine (Doan) Hunt on June the 3rd, 1947 in Chico, California. He was their 3rd son and his older brothers Ronnie and Kenny were his heroes throughout childhood. Gary loved growing up in California and he often reminisced about spending his youth surfing, playing sports, and all the time he spent with his cousins at their huge family gatherings. Gary did not graduate high school, instead, he obtained his GED so that he could join the military. He proudly served in the United States Army as a soldier in Vietnam. After he returned from overseas he struggled readjusting to civilian life and so he worked in miscellaneous construction jobs etc. until he decided to move to Southeastern, OK where the majority of his family was living. It was there, in Idabel, OK, that he met the love of his life, Shirley Clay. They married within 6 months of meeting each other and would spend 46 years together before she preceded him in death in April of 2025.

Shortly after they married, they moved to West Monroe, LA so that Gary could attend The White’s Ferry Rd School of Preaching. It was there that they welcomed twin daughters, Shauna and Shammi to the world in December of 1981 and then Shelli was born a year later in December of 1982. Armed with his degree in Ministry and three new babies Gary and Shirley accepted a preaching position in Lane, OK. The family relocated to Atoka and remained there for the rest of their lives. They added Nina to their crew in 1999 and their family was finally complete.

If you’ve lived in Atoka for any amount of time, you’ve met Gary. He was notorious for singing (LOUDLY) everywhere he went. If he wasn’t serenading you with Elvis songs, he was ensuring that you knew Jesus, and if you didn’t, you were at least going to hear about Him. If Gary was able to combine singing and evangelizing with fishing, he was literally living out his idea of Heaven on earth. He loved Jesus, he loved people and he LOVED to talk. He decided that he wanted to dive into Taekwondo in his late 50’s and he received his black belt at 60. He also realized his life-long dream of being a published author and recently published a book of poetry.

Despite how proud he was of his wife and daughters, being a grandfather was his greatest joy. It softened him, changed him for the better. There is no way to estimate how much money he’s spent on suckers and silly little trinkets over the last 16 years. His grandchildren melted him and he was defenseless against their charms. He loved holding them in his lap, watching cartoons with them and being as silly as he wanted to be because they all adored it. Although he was remarkedly healthy for his age and life experiences, ultimately, he didn’t know how to live in a world where Shirley no longer existed. Two months after her passing, he joined her. He passed peacefully with his daughters at his bedside.

He leaves behind to honor his legacy, his daughters, Shauna and David Harendt of Blue, OK, Shammi and Trevor Jackson of Centerpoint, OK, Shelli Ginden and her special friend Woody Foster of Atoka, OK. And Nina Hunt of Ada, OK. Chad Whisman of Quincy, California and countless other foster children and babies they raised in their home. Grandchildren Jacob Harendt, Olivia Harendt, Analyce Jackson, Chaini Hunt-Ginden, Kayli Jackson, Dylan Keeler, Hadli Keeler, Claysen Ginden, Atlee Harendt and Lola Harendt as well as a host of nieces and nephews that was loved. Brother, Kenny Hunt and wife Shirin of Kauai, HI.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents “Joe and Gerry”, a son-in-law Michael Keeler, a brother Ronnie Hunt, his in-laws Doyle and Mary Clay, a sister-inlaw Pamela Edson and her husband Pat Edson and a brotherin- law Jery Clay.

Pallbearers will be David Harendt, Trevor Jackson, Woody Foster, Jacob Harendt, Jacob Jenkins and Bruce Beatty.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Roger Holley, Bob Holley, Loyd Thompson, Father Claude Lovett, Mark McPherson, Wren Valentine Gabbard, Robert Ginden and Tim Riley.

Family night will be held on 06/15/2025 at Brown’s Funeral home in Atoka from 6-8. Any and all friends are welcome to come reminisce and share “Gary Stories”.

His funeral service will be held on 06/16/2025 at Brown’s Funeral Home in Atoka at 10:00 a.m. with burial at County Line Cemetery in Pickens, OK.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to The Wounded Warriors Project.