10 May 2008

Interview with Joan Vinning

Recently I sat down with Joan Vinning, the last known next-of-kin for Lt. Hunter on the family side ever since Buzz and Zelma Hunter passed away, who lives locally in Douglasville. Here, in the confines of Vinnings house, are the possessions of the Hunter family and some of the personal effects of the late lieutenant.

Stuffed in countless boxes are photographs of years gone by following Jerry Hunter as a child, hanging out with friends like Grady Baggett, graduating from The Citadel and his marriage to Laura Ann Milby. Even some of Lt. Hunter’s medals remain in cases from 1966, which were originally presented to his wife Laura.

During our conversations Vinning told of Jerry not being a native of Douglas County like many locals and history books present, rather he was born in south Georgia. It wasn’t until Jerry was the age of three that the family returned back to Douglasville after moving around the state several times. No one ever questioned whether Jerry was a native of Douglas County due to his young age, attending all the schools other local children did.

The house the Hunter family lived and grew in is now gone, however the house on Pinecrest Drive still stands today as a vacant shell. Vinning has spent much of her time moving belongings into her house where a basement full of boxes with memories trapped inside.