Howard Hunt

Robert Howard Hunt, 84, of Folkston, GA passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was born in Tulsa, OK on October 30, 1940, to the late Robert Houston Hunt and Evellyn Ruth Turner Hunt. Howard was the curator of reptiles at the Atlanta Zoo for over 30 years. While he was working there, he also did field research on alligator nesting habits in the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. After retirement, he led tours of the Okefenokee for 10 years.

He is survived by: Betty Hunt, his loving wife of 35 years; his son: Larry (Janet) Hunt; grandchildren: Sophia Hunt and Corbett Hunt; sister: Sharyn (Elo) Myers; nephew: Eric; niece: Dena; and beloved friends: Chip and Joy Campbell.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

Howard was passionate about nature and scientific research. In lieu of flowers, charitable gifts can be directed to the Coastal Ecology Research and Education Fund (Account # 9038800). This fund is used for alligator research, and it uses Howard's Okefenokee research as its foundational baseline. Gifts can be made on-line through the University of Georgia's donation page. https://gail.uga.edu/commit?search=9038800&desonly=1

Or checks can be made to the UGA Foundation (memo line Coastal Ecology Research / Memorial Hunt) and mailed to: Anne S. Moser, University of Georgia, Office of Vice President of Public Service & Outreach, 1234 S. Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30602.

“My spirit is with all live things, from roses to elephants. I feel connected to all life forms. When I spend a day watching a bird build a nest, that is my spirituality, that is my church. Whatever caused this wonderful life force on planet earth and maybe elsewhere is my GOD.”

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, Folkston, GA is honored to serve the Hunt family.