Charles Wesley Hunter

Charles Wesley Hunter was the 8th son born to Reverend Henry J. and Mrs. Minnie Lee Hunter on April 23, 1932 in Donaldsonville, Georgia.  Upon the death of his father at an early age, the family moved to Augusta, Georgia and joined the Ward Chapel Africa Methodist Episcopal Church.  After graduating from Lucy Laney High School in 1949, Charles, affectionately known as “Bump” entered military service, was deployed to Germany and honorably discharged in 1955.

Following his military service, Charles relocated to New York where he met Lillie Mae Wigfall of Santee, South Carolina.  The two were wed in holy matrimony in 1956. Lillie Mae stood by his side until her death in 1994.  The two were the proud parents of 4 children: Chyren, Charles Anthony, Jennifer Maxine and Christopher Maurice. Charles entered New York Technical College and became a licensed Medical Technologist. He held positions of increasing responsibility at the Albert Einstein Medical Center and the James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, where he became the Chief of the Laboratory Service.  Known as “Cholly” or “Doc” he was a dedicated civil servant, retiring in 1987. 

Cholly enjoyed many pursuits outside of the lab.  He was an avid bowler and a member of the VA bowling league.  His artistic pursuits included silk-screening, clock making, cake baking, and interior design; he had many clients for whom he made custom window treatments with his wife Lillie.  Many friends and family traveled with him to places near and far through Cholly’s Travel Service.  Despite his sometimes-stern countenance, he loved to laugh and always had a joke to share.

In addition to his great love for the medical profession, Charles was deeply devoted to his family, friends and community.  He was a proud member of the NAACP and championed civil rights causes.  He was a mentor to many and could be counted on to give sagely advice.

Charles Wesley was predeceased by his parents; three sisters, Minnie Graham, Ruby Evans, and Vivian Roberson; four brothers, Joseph, Alexander, William Hunter and twin brother Reverend Carl Frederick.  Left to cherish his memory are his children, Chyren Hunter, Charles Anthony Hunter, Jennifer Maxine Hunter-Neal and Christopher Maurice Hunter; grandchildren Michael Llado, Jay Neal, Lillie Hunter, Christopher Hunter, Isaiah Hunter and great-grandson Troy Llado; brothers-in-law David Stephen Hollman and Jacob Wigfall; sisters-in-law, Ann Howie and Diane Wigfall; son-in-law, Stephen Neal; daughters - in law, Lauren Hunter and India Hunter; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

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