Kevin Hunter knew DeKalb's zoning codes like the back of his hand. He retained institutional knowledge about issues and methodically managed the rezoning calendar, appeal cases and planning commission cases.
Enter the zoning administrator's office with questions, and you might leave seeing things his way. He was strong-willed, smart and could present his position with aplomb.
"He knew how it worked here," said Andrew Baker, the county's associate director of planning. "In terms of getting cases out to the various boards and commissioners, posting properties and getting notices to newspapers, he was like a machine."
Jonathan Weintraub was DeKalb's attorney when Mr. Hunter joined the planning department. He was pleased to have the self-assured official on staff, someone with no reservations about testifying in court.
"Kevin was sure of himself," said Mr. Weintraub, now the county's deputy chief operating officer for development. "He knew what he was talking about and his work ethic was unparalleled. He was a workaholic, actually, and immersed himself in it. A true professional."
The Memphis native met Frances Hunter-Imbert on his first job interview out of Tennessee State University. Sparks flew. They wed, but the union couldn't sustain two bull-headed individuals. They divorced in 2005.
"We had a lot of love and chemistry for each other, but our personalities couldn't mesh like they were supposed to," the Conyers resident said. "Both of us were too strong-willed. He was always championing things that he felt were right. That was one of his good traits and almost one of his bad ones, too."
On Friday, Mr. Hunter of Ellenwood was at his desk when he suffered a suspected heart attack. He was 55. A memorial will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday at the old courthouse in downtown Decatur. A funeral will be held at a later date in Memphis. A.S. Turner & Sons is handling arrangements.
Mr. Hunter spent time as a planner with the Sacramento County Planning Department before he joined DeKalb in 1999. He rose from senior planner to county zoning administrator. He logged more than 25 years as a planner.
While he enjoyed the job, the science major had dreamed of being an architect. He wanted to build subdivisions.
"[Being a planner] was the closest he could get to architecture," his ex-wife said. "He enjoyed going out to sites and different places and working with zoning issues."
Naturally, the demise of Mr. Hunter at work shocked colleagues, especially those present. Some prayed, many cried. Others tried to administer CPR. Monday, counselors were provided for the staff as well as relatives.
"It was really traumatic that Friday," Mr. Baker said. "It was surreal with a high level of emotion."
Survivors include a son, Kevin Hunter II of Conyers; mother, Claudie Hunter Todd and two sisters, Rosemary Jackson and Victoria Rayborn, all of Memphis; and a fiancee, Gwen Gordon of Ellenwood.
About the Author
