Loran “Buddy” “The Doubler” Hunter was 89 years old when he peacefully passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2014 in his home in Cleveland, OH.  He was active to the very end, even planning to visit his daughter in Virginia days before his death. Loran was born August 29, 1925 in Matewan, West Virginia and 3was raised in several locations throughout West Virginia including Princeton, Tugg River and Mingo city as his father working in the coalfields as a Teamster and chipper.  His parents Pierson Henry Hunter, Sr. and the former Lela Belle Hopkins had 12 children including Loran. Loran had an amateur boxing career and was billed as “Buddy Hunter-the Doubler”, depicting his quick boxing style.  This along with his love of trains, and singing in a gospel quartet with his brothers took him traveling throughout the Ohio Valley, Virginia and West Virginia until he joined the United States Army serving in World War II in Germany and France.  Being very friendly, Loran became very fluent in the national languages so that he could converse with the local population.  He always retained his love of languages, speaking French, German, Italian and some Slavic languages with his neighbors in Cleveland.  “Precious Lord and “His Eye is on the Sparrow” were his favorite hymns. It was after the war when he moved to Cleveland, Ohio that he met the love of his life, Eleazer Johnson who had also recently relocated from Birmingham, Alabama.  They were married 54 years before Eleazer’s death in August 2006; three children were born into this union; Sharon, Lorna and James.  Loran was deeply hurt by the passing of his wife and never a day went by that he didn’t kiss her picture that he carried in his wallet. He had the company of his yellow tabby cat, Prince, in later years as company to watch his beloved Cleveland Indians and Browns games as they sat in his recliner. In addition to being preceded in death by his parents and wife, his sister, Virginia and brothers, Malowa, Charles and Chester also preceded him. Loran is survived by his children, Sharon Hunter (Roger Johnson), Lorna and James (Marquitta) Hunter; three grandchildren, James, Sharice and Jordan; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; brothers, Curtis, Thomas, Alexander, Charles and Pierson; sisters, Melessie and Rebecca; a host of other loving relatives.  He will also be missed by a host of loving friends and friendly neighbors who he always greeted as he sat on his front porch.

Public viewing Sunday, October 19, 2014 3pm-5pm at the funeral home.