Johnny Hunter, Sr. was born August 10, 1948 to John Henry McElroy and Mary Elizabeth Hunter. He passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Johnny graduated from Booker High School in 1966 where he was a staunch supporter. After graduating from Booker, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for four years. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1970. An entrepreneur, Johnny owned and operated several businesses and was always seeking ways to better his community. He became the owner of TEMPO News, the news source serving the Manatee and Sarasota communities, which he operated for 37 years. His goal was to be the “beat of the working class” and provide positive news coverage for his community. He was a community activist and remained at the pulse of the community through his involvement with many organizations, serving on boards on the local and state levels.

Johnny was preceded in death by his mother, Mary E. Hunter; father, John McElroy; and his sister, Barbara Robinson. He leaves to cherish his memories, his sons: Brandon G. Major, Johnny Hunter, Jr., Aaron O’Neal Hunter, Sr., and Joseph Maurice Hunter; daughters: Joan Marie Bolden and Tyshambria Nichelle Cason Ball; sons-in-law: Eric Bolden and Prince Pace; daughter-in-law: Santasha Hunter; Godson, Demone Lee; special daughter-in-love, Erica Dorsey, special son-in-love, Warren Williams; 42 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Fri., May 24, 2024 at Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church. Services will be held 1:00pm on Sat., May 25, 2024 at Light of the World International Church. Burial will be held 10:00am on Mon., May 27, 2024 at Sarasota National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.