Don Hunnicutt's Obituary
Donald Bruce Hunnicutt, age 84, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.
Born in Plainview, Arkansas to George Donald Hunnicutt and Annie Frances Ogden Hunnicutt, Don's life was defined by service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. A graduate of Dumas High School, Don continued his education at the University of Arkansas where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. During his college years he enlisted in ROTC and was a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, where he made many dear lifelong friends.
In 1965 Don answered the call to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army with the 219th Aviation Company (Recon) in Pleiku during the Vietnam War. Flying reconnaissance, artillery spotting and combat support missions in his L19 O-1 Bird Dog aircraft, Don earned five Air Medals for meritorious achievement, along with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Aviator Badge, and National Defense Service Medal.
Upon returning home, Don built a remarkable 50-year career in commercial construction, working with Brennan-Boyd Construction Company and Tyson Foods before establishing Hunnicutt Construction Company. His exceptional expertise and integrity established him as a leader in the industry, and through his work, Don helped shape Northwest Arkansas over the course of five decades.
Don's 64-year marriage to his beloved Claudette Smith of Star City, Arkansas, was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they lovingly restored the "Webster-Hunnicutt" house, a Victorian home in the Washington-Willow Historic District of Fayetteville, preserving a piece of Arkansas heritage for future generations.
A man of faith, Don was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville. His commitment to community service was evident through his roles on the City of Fayetteville Planning Commission, Washington County Historical Society, and his many years of service on the Corporate Board and Board of Directors for Butterfield Trail Village retirement community. During his tenure on the Butterfield Trail Village Board the Special Care Center for Dementia was added, expanding vital services for residents.
In 2023, in recognition of his longtime service as Chapter Advisor Don was unanimously selected by the Sigma Nu Gamma Upsilon Alumni Chapter Board of Directors and inducted into the inaugural class of the Gamma Upsilon Hall of Honor, the Chapter’s highest distinction.
In his leisure time, Don could often be found bass or fly fishing or attending Razorback basketball and football games. He had a deep appreciation for classical music, and he loved singing and dancing to 50's music and old time gospel. Those who knew Don will remember him as humble, hardworking, loyal, trustworthy, and an industrious man of strong character, respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His grandchildren will also remember him for his sly smile and special ability to wiggle his ears and quack like Donald Duck.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law "Skippy" Leek. He is survived by his wife, Claudette Hunnicutt; sister, Sandra Leek of Dumas; daughters, Hollie Smith (Scott) of Little Rock, AR, and Heather Covington (Lee) of McLean, VA; and grandchildren, Jess Smith, Jordan Smith, Kate Covington, Kendall Covington, and Abby Covington.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 25, at 2:30 PM in the performance hall at Butterfield Trail Village. A private family burial with military honors will be held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery.
The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Don’s life by sharing favorite memories and anecdotes at: [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to: Circle of Life to support patient care and family services (www.GiveToCircle.org or mailed to Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale AR 72762); or the Butterfield Trail Village Foundation's Special Care Center Fund ( https://butterfieldtrailvillage.org or mailed to Butterfield Trail Village Foundation, 1923 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703); or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).
To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
"A life well-lived leaves a legacy of love, respect, and cherished memories in the hearts of those who follow."
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