Michael Watson Hunnicutt
July 11, 1952 ~ July 6, 2023 (age 70)Obituary
Just shy of his 71st birthday, Michael Watson Hunnicutt met face to face with his Creator and Savior. His last days were spent at home surrounded by family with a picturesque view of Crystal Lake – exactly what he wished for. He was “born groovy, 70 years later still groovy.” Mike was known as husband, son, brother, dad, granddaddy, favorite uncle, old man, Magic Mike on WQFS, sweetie, honey, friend, counselor, assistant scoutmaster, coach and Gillicuddy. After residing in Stokesdale, NC for 36 years, he and his wife Janet have made Greensboro, NC home for the last 6 years— with Mike as the self-appointed mayor of Crystal Lake. Mike leaves behind his beloved wife of 43 years, Janet Hunnicutt and his sons whom he loved very dearly – Adam (wife Christin), Casey, and Elliot (wife Amber). He had a very special relationship with each of his grandchildren: Madison, Levi, and Olive. His family was his backbone and his greatest joy.
Born to Evelyn and Jasper Hunnicutt on July 11, 1952, Mike was the first of four boys – followed by Younce, Donald, and David. Native to North Carolina he grew up in Miami, but returned to his home state where he set down roots and married Janet on October 11, 1980. He faithfully served as an elder at Gate City Vineyard for over 20 years. Mike was a strong man of faith and had a steadfast trust in the Lord – which was deeply evident during his 10 year battle with cancer.
In Stokesdale, he filled several roles as assistant scoutmaster, basketball coach, and t-ball coach. He was a part of the High Places climbing and repelling team. After 38 years of service, Mike retired from Bellsouth (AT&T). His early retirement days were filled with a reignited love for photography. Mike also loved music and was a community DJ for WQFS Guilford College for 5 years. Many people considered Mike to be an encyclopedia of music history for the 60’s and 70’s era – particularly The Beatles, Blues and Southern Rock.
Mike lived his last years to the fullest. Besides being forever smitten with Janet, Mike loved his sons fiercely and was crazy about his daughters-in-love and grandchildren, making it an absolute priority to spend precious time with the people he loved, and his sweet dog, Maggie May. Never giving up on his passions, Mike continued traveling extensively with Janet to every music festival and concert possible. It’s fitting that Santana’s In Search of Mona Lisa, the last record he listened to, still sits on the turntable reminding us of him and his love for music.
Michael Hunnicutt’s celebration of life service will be on Saturday, August 5th, at 2pm at Gate City Vineyard Church, 207 S. Westgate Dr. Greensboro, NC 27407. We invite you to wear your favorite, Band Shirts, Tye-Dye or other groovy attire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting our friend/blues musician, Mike Zito, who has come off the road to savor the last days he has with his precious wife Laura, who has battled cancer and is now in Hospice care. Make donations in memory of Mike Hunnicutt to the GoFundMe Laura Zito Cancer Support Fundraiser by MICHAEL ZITO : Laura Zito Cancer Support (gofundme.com)
Mike, you were the dad I always wanted. You were one of the most loving, supportive, ever-present figures of my youth. You're a lot of why I came out ok and I'm glad I got to see you again, but I wish I'd really told you how much you always meant to me. Thank you for everything.
The gift if forever friends. ❤️🥰🙌🏻
Grandaddy with his “little man”
Grandaddy and “punkin”