Pembroke, NC – Wade Carson Hunt, known affectionately as "Papa" to his beloved grandchildren passed away on December 21, 2024, at Scotland Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 20, 1940, in Saddletree to Daniel Worth Hunt and Latha Dell Hunt (Carter). Wade was a devout servant of Christ and devoted son, brother, father and grandfather.

Wade is survived by his son Dr. Chris W. Hunt, his daughter Johanna L. (Hunt) Karas, his son in law Dr. Spero G. Karas, his grandchildren Gus, Elena and Nicholas, and his sister Dorothy Riddle (Hunt). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years Betty Bullard Hunt (2024), his parents, and three siblings- Delton, Veril, and James Hunt. Wade will be deeply missed by his beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Wade graduated from Pembroke High School in 1957. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Pembroke State College in 1961. He went on to receive a Master’s degree in School Administration from East Carolina University in 1978. Wade began his teaching career at Deep Branch Elementary School, where he taught for seven years. He then taught and coached for five years at Pembroke Junior High School. In 1973, he was assigned to the position of assistant principal at Pembroke Elementary School and in 1978 he became principal at Rex-Rennert School. In 1981, he became principal at Union Chapel Elementary School, from which he retired in 1994.  He completed the Principal’s Executive Program at UNC- Chapel Hill. He was an award-winning administrator, earning the Robeson County Principal of the Year Award in 1987.  After retirement, he continued to educate the youth in the community by working in an after-school tutoring program for many years. In July 2021, he was named to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, the highest honor in North Carolina given to those who’ve made significant contributions to their community.  

Wade dedicated his life to giving back to others in his church, community and even outside the United States. He was a member of Prospect Community Church and served in various leadership roles.  He started the Afterschool program at the church and backpack program, a program to raise money to provide nutritional resources for Prospect Elementary students. 

Wade was the director of the Sejanam Program in Bolivia from 1995-2015. He organized groups from the community and church to travel to Bolivia where they built homes and worked in the medical clinic caring for the indigent and indigenous people of the Bolivian nation.  Wade and Betty adopted a child in a Bolivian orphanage, ensuring the child would have funds for clothing and education. They also provided grants for needy Bolivian students to attend college.

Wade had a love for sports. He was an avid golfer, bowler and enjoyed playing baseball and softball.  He enjoyed watching his favorite sport’s teams, the UNC Tar Heels and LA Dodgers.  His summers were spent managing and coaching the youth baseball league.  He inspired the youth of Robeson County as a coach and in doing so positively instilled in them his enthusiasm for sports which taught them important leadership skills that would allow them to better succeed in life. He selflessly impacted the lives of hundreds of young students with his guidance, wisdom, and kindness.

A memorial service to celebrate Wade's life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Prospect Community Church, located at 3929 Missouri Rd., Maxton, NC. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am, followed by the service at 12:00 pm. Thereafter, a graveside service will take place at Lumbee Memorial Gardens, located at 774 Moss Neck Rd., Lumberton, NC 28360.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Nevertheless in Wade Hunt’s name, 2803 North Kenan Ave., Lumberton, NC 28358. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Revels Funeral Home in Pembroke, NC.

Please join the family in honoring and remembering Wade’s life by sharing your condolences and cherished memories at www.revelsfh.com