Robert "Bobby" A. Hunsucker

Robert “Bobby” A. Hunsucker, age 85, departed this life on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family after battling dementia for several years.  Born in Cohutta, GA on September 10, 1936, Bobby lived most of his life in Cleveland, TN. During his high school years, he and his mother moved to Jacksonville, FL where he attended Lee High School.  After returning to Cleveland, his father taught him the electrical trade, and he became a well-known electrician in the area for 60 years. Bobby also became a volunteer fireman, eventually leading to him being employed by the City of Cleveland as a firefighter. In 1970, he received the Fireman of the Year Award. Firefighter 223, Bobby Hunsucker, worked his way through the ranks, being promoted to Assistant Fire Chief at Fire Station No. 1 and Commander of Battalion No. 3, before retiring in 2006.

Bobby met the love of his life, Mary Ann Knight, while she was working at the original Central Drug Store on Ocoee Street in Cleveland, TN. They were married for 64 years at the time of her passing. They enjoyed their life together spending time with their children, grandchildren, and friends. Shopping, traveling, and attending concerts were some of their favorite things to do together. They saw many famous entertainers in concert, including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, George Jones, and Ronnie McDowell. Bobby first saw Ronnie McDowell perform at Lake Winnepesaukah many years ago, and continued to see him in concert with Mary and his daughters, Susan and Kim. Bobby and Mary were even recognized as the couple being married the longest at one of the many Ronnie McDowell concerts they attended, receiving an autographed Ronnie McDowell book for their accomplishment. As a member of the Ronnie McDowell Fan Club, Bobby not only enjoyed his music, but his artwork too. In his final years, Ronnie McDowell was a great source of joy for Bobby, and when asked who his favorite entertainer was of all time, he would always respond with “my friend, Ronnie McDowell.”

Bobby was an avid deer hunter, hunting all over TN and GA. He was a part of a hunting club with his fellow firemen for many years. He had a love for cats, dogs, and hummingbirds. He appreciated the wildlife at Cade’s Cove and Enterprise Park South. A great weekend for Bobby included the Great Smokey Mountains—walking the streets of Gatlinburg, shopping in Pigeon Forge, and roaming through Dollywood. Other adorations included the casino, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and Cracker Barrell peanut brittle.  He was a collector of many things like guns, coins, hats, and seashells. 

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ann Knight Hunsucker; mother, Cora Ethel Anderson Hunsucker and father, William Scott Hunsucker; siblings Billie Hunsucker, Juanita Hunsucker Sanderson, and Ruth Hunsucker Kicklighter Kemp. 

He is survived by his children: Susan (James) Reagan, Alan (Karen) Hunsucker, Kim (Andy) Osment, and Aaron (Mem) Hunsucker; grandchildren: Amber Whaley Anderson, Adam (Robin) Hunsucker, Tripp (Brandi) Whaley of Pensacola, FL, Maggie Humberd, Kelsea Reagan, Sunnie Reagan, Aubrey Reagan, Anderson Hunsucker, Aerick Hunsucker, Max Trew , Miranda (Brian) Flintoft; great grandchildren: Caroline Cliatt and Delilah Flintoft; special fur baby: Ronnie McDowell the cat; several nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and special caregiver, Jennifer Sharp.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Fort Hill Cemetery with Chaplain Kevin Mendel officiating.  Full Fireman honors will be conducted. Local Firemen will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend the graveside may meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. for procession or meet at the graveside.

His family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staff of At Home Primary Care and Caris Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, PO Box 498, Emmitsburg, MD   21727 (firehero.org), or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, FL. 17, Chicago, IL  60601   (act.alz.org)

Due to COVID, the family requests that guests maintain social distancing and wear masks.