William (Bill) Silas Hunter Jr.
William Silas Hunter Jr., 70, of Mt. Vernon passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital surrounded by his family following a brief illness. He was born on May 7,1956 in Mount Vernon to the late Dr. William and Donna (Willis) Hunter.
He graduated from Mount Vernon high school in 1976 and spent the next twenty years farming, raising both cattle and sheep. He also worked for Ariel Corporation, retiring in 2015 after seventeen years of employment.
After retiring, Bill joined his nephew, Andy and the crew at Ghost Logging, where he found a new way to contribute to the family farm and those he loved. He took great pride in supporting the day-to-day needs of the operation, ensuring the crew had whatever was necessary to keep things running smoothly. From delivering feed and supplies, locating hard to find equipment parts, to looking after the well-being of the crew, Bill approached every task with enthusiasm and care. He found genuine joy in being part of the team and treasured the friendships, laughter, and sense of purpose that came with it.
Bill loved everything about agriculture and the family farm. He was a 4-H member for ten years, often attended the Farm Science Review, and enjoyed going to farm equipment auctions. He also liked watching Ohio State Football, attending local festivals, fairs and open houses, and avidly followed the news to stay informed about current events around the world including politics. His greatest joy was being with his family for every party, holiday and family gathering including the yearly family trip to purchase fireworks for the family’s annual 4th of July party.
Bill was a very kind and gentle man. He never cared much about money or material possessions. What he truly valued most in life was his interaction and relationships with others, always wanting to help in any way he could or do something nice for someone. He’d give his last dime to buy a friend a pop. That’s what made him happy.
William is survived by his three sisters, Patricia (Daniel) Jamieson, Kristine (Robert Jameison) Hunter, both of Gambier, Kerry (John) Kadylak of Wheeling, WV, four nephews, Andrew McGough of Gambier, Alex (Nicole) McGough of Howard, Austin Jamieson, Nathan Jamieson, both of Mt. Vernon, one niece, Lara Kadylak of Washington, D.C., numerous grandnieces and grandnephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Nicholas Kadylak.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Bill on September 27, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at Country Gatherings, 17720 Glen Road, Gambier, Ohio 43022.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved Bill to share memories and stories as they honor his life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers; donations can be made to the Knox County 4-H Program.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfunerlahomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon are honored to serve the family of William Silas Hunter Jr.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com