Joseph Franklin Hunt was born to Bessie and William Hunt in Vine Grove Kentucky in 1931, where he attended a one room schoolhouse. As a young teen, he misled the National Guard about his age and enlisted. At age 19, he joined the Navy and left for the Korean War. He served four years in the Navy, resumed his college studies and pursued his degree of Master of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, having known from quite a young age that he was being called into the ministry.

Joe pastored several churches in Kentucky and Ohio over the years, served as a chaplain in the Army Reserves and later a chaplain and Director of prison ministries for the state of Florida. He also served as interim pastor of several churches in Melbourne, FL. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, a shining example of his love for his Lord, his country and others.

Joe and Nancy's loving relationship was an example to all. Their intense love of each other and their love for their family helped all of us to model our relationships with one another.

Joe was a man with a wonderful sense of humor, with an intense love of God, family and sports....not always in that order. Racquetball and the University of Kentucky Wildcats figured prominently in his life but dominos with friends and visiting with family was equally important.

We will remember him with camera in hand, wanting to capture the moment. He loved traveling to new destinations but loved even more spending time with his six children and their families of 20 grandchildren and 16 great grand children. We have him to thank for the many pictures and videos we have of our feet, families and our life events.

His wisdom was valued by many who benefitted from his wise teaching and counseling. He used that wisdom in his work with the Seafarers Ministry, the Southern Baptist Convention, Florida and Ohio Baptist Conventions, and the many people he counseled and led to the Lord.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy. His children: Byron, Karen (Neil), Vicki (Menachem), Woody (Elena), Michelle (Jeff). Along with 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was greeted in heaven by his loving son, Myron.