Joe Milford Hunt was a learned, kind and compassionate man who loved people and dogs, but not necessarily in that order. He passed away August 15 at NHC Healthcare in Anderson, S.C., where he was admitted for rehabilitation following surgery for a broken femur.

He was born June 19, 1936, at home in Nuberg to Anna Mae Milford Hunt and Charles Willis Hunt. After graduating from Elbert County High School, where Joe played football, he entered South Georgia College before attending the University of Georgia.

Joe's future took wings when he joined the Navy and was assigned to an LST (Landing Ship Tank). With a desire to fly, he visited the ship's office to get application forms for flight navigation school. The office only had application forms for pilot training! After completion of flight training, he flew submarine hunters.

He retired from his active-duty Navy role to join American Airlines. During that career he was based in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Boston, among other American hubs. Joe maintained his Navy ties as a reserve officer and retired as a commander.

While living in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he purchased The Rosa Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Portsmouth. Soon thereafter he met his future wife, Pamela Fleming, a flight attendant for Pan Am. They operated the restaurant for more than 40 years.

They enjoyed spending time between homes in Tequesta, Florida, and Gerrish Island, Maine. They enjoyed golf, travel, their pups and the next great adventure.

At age 82, Joe sold his home in Tequesta, bought an RV and drove to Alaska. He then settled in Hart County.

Joe continued to fly until he crashed his biplane in Elbert County in 2019. Thanks to wonderful work by the Elbert County EMS, he was rescued.

Joe is survived by his two children, Sylvia Hunt, of Poulsbo, WA, and Clift (Alpa) Hunt, Atlanta. He leaves behind a sister, Charlie Ann Gaines of Nuberg, and a brother, Jon Hunt (Sarah) of St. Augustine, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Pamela Fleming Hunt.

A service to celebrate Joe's life will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 8076. The family request friends to dress casually, and food will be provided.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Hart County (Georgia) Animal Rescue and/or a Veteran's charitable organization.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.