Daryl Hunt

The celebration of life for Daryl Lynn Hunt, 53, of Houston, Texas will be held Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 1:00 PM at The First Baptist Church, Odessa Texas, Curtis Brewer, Minister of Music, will officiate. Visitation with the family will be from 68 PM Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Daryl died Friday, July 9, 2010, of a massive heart attack. He was born November 3, 1956, in Odessa, Texas to the proud parents, Walter and Elayne Hunt. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter L. Hunt and his sister, Ginny Elwoods.

In 1968, the Hunt family became the first black family to join the First Baptist Church of Odessa. Daryl grew up in the church and remained a member until his move to Houston.

Daryl was a student in the Ector County Independent School District and graduated in 1975 from Permian High School. While at Permian, he was an outstanding linebacker and tight end. He was one of the few to ever play both positions. Daryl was also on the 1972 State Championship team. He received many accolades and honors for his prowess on the field. During his senior year, he received the award for the Most Outstanding Player on the team. Because of his talents and skills, Daryl was recruited by more than 60 colleges and universities from across the nation.

Daryl visited several of the colleges that recruited him. He was most impressed with the University of Oklahoma and was proud to sign a letter of intent to play for Barry Switzer and the Oklahoma Sooners. He awed the coaches with his talent and work ethic to the extent that he earned a starting position his first year. He was an All American linebacker in 1977 and in 1978. Daryl received the Outland Trophy Award and the career record for most tackles while at Oklahoma. He loved everything about the University of Oklahoma, especially his coaches, teammates and fans. After four years of success in Oklahoma, he was drafted by the Houston Oilers. Once he moved to Houston, he and his family became members of The Brentwood Baptist Church where he remained a member until his death. Daryl played 6 years as an Oiler and was traded to the Miami Dolphins where his football career ended as a result of a knee injury.

After retirement, Daryl completed coursework and earned a bachelors degree from the University of Houston. Once the coursework was completed, he was proud and humbled to receive his graduate ring from the University of Oklahoma.

As a result of Daryls outstanding career and character, a section of the Gaylord Oklahoma Memorial Stadium has been named in his honor. He has also been honored with the Daryl Hunt Room in the Sooner Legends Inn and suites in Norman, Oklahoma.

Daryl is the father of one daughter, Danielle, from a previous marriage. She followed in her fathers footsteps and graduated from the University of Oklahoma as well.

Since Daryls retirement, he developed a passion for the game of golf. He spent hours after work attempting to perfect his golf game. As a result of his passion for golf, he gained many new friends and played in numerous charitable golf tournaments.

At the time of his death, he was supervisor of security for Grocers Supply Company of Houston. The privately owned food distributor is the seventh largest in the country.

Daryl leaves to mourn a loving daughter, Danielle Hunt of Houston, Texas his mother, Elayne Hunt of Odessa, Texas a brother, Kevin Hunt of New York, NY an aunt, Carolyn Spivey Lewis Frederick of Dallas, Texas two nephews numerous cousins a very special friend, Karen Grimes of Houston, Texas and many, many, other friends.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
68 PM

Service

Funeral

First Baptist Church
709 N. Lee
Odessa, TX  79761
Thursday, July 15, 2010
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762