The Downey Patriot

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William Sheridan Hunt

September 20, 1935 - September 30, 2021

William Sheridan (Bill) Hunt was born September 20, 1935 in Mcleansboro, Illinois. He went home to be with the Lord on September 30, 2021. Bill was baptized June 27th, 1976 accompanied by the song, “There is something about that name”. He was a husband, a father of two, a grandfather of 4 and great-grandfather of one. Bill and his sister, Carole, grew up in Downey. Bill graduated from Downey High in 1953 and went on to Orange Coast College, graduating with a degree in business in June 1956.

In October 1957, a girl named Diane walked into his life. She was working as a food demonstrator at the All-American market. It was love at first sight and Bill and Diane were married June 7, 1959.

Bill served in the United States Air Force in December 1956 serving 4 years.

They had 2 sons Troy and Chad. After the Air Force, Bill & Diane returned to Downey raising their family. Bill worked at All American Market where his father known as “Blackie” was manager. He also worked at Boeing Aircraft and the Naval Shipyards in Long Beach. He was heavily involved with the First Baptist Church as Deacon and on many boards. He also served on the City of Downey Water Board for 29 years. After retirement he worked at the Anaheim Convention Center for 24 years as a greeter. Bill loved taking pictures, you might say a hobby wherever they went. Bill was always spending time with Diane, even shopping with her. They traveled to Europe, Panama Canal, all 50 states, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and many more places. Their last trip was to Idaho, Field of Dreams, Illinois, Indiana, and the Ark in Kentucky. Together, they enjoyed their 5,800- mile trip giving them again lots of great memories