Stephen Mark Hunter of Blacksburg, associate director career services at Virginia Tech, died Thursday, June 24 in the Roanoke Trauma Center. He was 50 years old. 

He was born May 14, 1960 at Brevard, N.C., to Stephen Morgan Hunter, and Sybil Gregory Hunter who predeceased him.

"Mark was a valued member of the Career Services staff for 24 years as associate director of information systems and assessment," said Donna Cassell Ratcliffe, director of career services. "He was an integral part of all the successes we achieved with student and employer services -- taking us from the mainframe platform to today's technology. All on our staff over the years, and others who worked with him, found Mark to be a dedicated, bright, problem-solver who had compassion in his heart for each and everyone. He will be greatly missed for his significant contributions and many friendships throughout the Virginia Tech community."

Hunter graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and Virginia Tech with a master's degree in business administration.

Hunter was a great lover of music and was pianist at the Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg. where he was an active member for many years. He was  involved with family genealogy, hiking, and travel. He treasured people, especially his church congregation and his co-workers at Career Services.

He is survived by his father, Stephen Morgan Hunter and stepmother, Donna of Hendersonville, N.C., grandmother Selma Morgan Hunter of Brevard, an adopted sister, Morgan Puckett and her husband Shawn, of Chicago, one niece, three aunts, four uncles and many cousins, and partner, David Jones, of Blacksburg..

Visitation will be held at the Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren, 950 Heather Dr., Blacksburg, on Tuesday, June 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at the church on Wednesday, June 30 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren, Blacksburg, The Heifer Project, or Doctors Without Borders.  Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.

The above information was provided by Stephen Morgan Hunter and ran in the Roanoke Times. Read the text.

Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact:

Referrals to a campus cleric may be done through the Dean of Students Office at (540) 231-3787.

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