Eric D Hunter

Eric Delmar Hunter, 67, of Tampa, FL, passed away on April 4th, 2022, at his home in Tampa. He was born in South Bend, Indiana to Patricia and Richard Hunter on January 21st, 1955. He married his wife Darcy Abel on July 19th, 1980, in Winter Park, Florida and was the devoted father and grandfather to Dustin and Carly and his five grandchildren.

He was a proud graduate of the University of South Florida and the University of Southern Mississippi. Upon graduation, he worked at Texas A&M University and the University of West Florida, before dedicating the majority of his professional career to USF in his capacity as Director of Campus Recreation. Eric was ever present for his friends and colleagues during his tenure, serving previously as Administrative Council President, as USF Club President and serving currently on the USF Credit Union Board. In addition, he was an active member of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) during his career. Eric was instrumental in the 2011 expansion of the Student Recreation Center to its current footprint and continued his involvement with the university after retirement as part of the “Table Officials Crew” for both the men’s and women’s basketball games.

Eric is preceded in death by his father Richard Hunter, his in-laws Ronald and Carleen Abel, his niece Amber Hunter, his brother-in-law Dan Abel, and several other beloved family members.

Eric is survived by wife Darcy, Mother Patricia, son Dustin (Allie), daughter Carly (Austin), and was “Dude” to his beloved grandchildren Carson and Caroline (Dustin/Allie), and Caden, Anastyn, and

Rhett (Carly/Austin). He is also survived by brothers Steve (Beth) and Greg, sister-in-law Debbie, brother-in-laws Jay (Molly) and Rick (Sara), and other loving family members.

Eric was the kind of person who positively impacted all with whom he interacted. An extraordinarily involved dad, Eric was an ever-present playmate to his children and later to his grandchildren. His favorite vacations were spent visiting his family in Key West and Atlanta. He was the coach of many of Dustin and Carly’s teams from early on and through high school, and never missed a dance recital, talent show, or athletic event. He served as PTA President and Temple Terrace Little League Director, always willing to do the difficult work behind the scenes for those he loved.

In his free time Eric loved spending time outdoors with his dog Maddie who became his loyal kayak partner. Sports were a passion which made it fitting that he passed away while the NCAA basketball championship game was on in the background. He enjoyed and was an accomplished high school basketball referee for many years, taught college racquetball, and continued to play handball with friends until he was unable.

Eric taught us all to embrace the adventures in life and always bring your kids along for the ride.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held at the University of South Florida Campus Recreation east Gym on Saturday April 30th, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials in his honor be made to the Eric D. Hunter Memorial Fund #590105 https://usf.to/ericdhunter for the benefit of the University of South Florida Recreation & Wellness (formerly Campus Recreation Department).

The family of Eric wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all our wonderful friends and family, who have been so helpful and supportive during this difficult time.