LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Sonny B. “Buddy” Hunter, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior the evening of Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his closest loved ones. He was born April 12, 1940, a son of the late Marion S. Hunter and the late Hettie Mahaffey Hunter and was the loving husband of Joanne Phillips Hunter.

Buddy was a graduate of Buford High School and had a long career at the Springs Industries Grace Finishing Facility where he worked as a warehouse attendant. He was a member of Fork Hill Baptist Church where he had previously served as the senior men’s Sunday School Class teacher and as a deacon. He had a beautiful, strong bass singing voice and loved to sing. He did so for years with the Red Hill Quartet out of High Point Baptist Church. Buddy was a fun-loving man who enjoyed fishing, traveling, and raising animals. His last love of animals was working with and going to shows with his champion dairy goats. He was a dedicated husband and “Daddy”.

Mr. Hunter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne P. Hunter; his daughter, Lanette Plyler and her husband Chris; a grandson, Jarrett Steven Small (Nina); three bonus grandchildren, Kevin Plyler (Rebecca), Craig Plyler (Katie), and Collin Plyler (Alexis); eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Justine “Jack” Hunter; special family friend, Bill Michaw; and many other special nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Hettie Hunter; his four brothers, Elmer Hunter, Edward Hunter, R.S. Hunter, and Bruce Hunter; three sisters, Christine “Chris” Love, Kathleen “Kit” Adams, and Marcene “Mart” Hall; and special family friend, Jordan Hinson.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Hunter will be at 2:00pm Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Fork Hill Baptist Church, and burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Friday, February 20, 2026, at Burgess Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Fork Hill Baptist Church, Youth & Children Funds, 1125 Fork Hill Rd, Heath Springs, SC 29058.