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The mountains, I become a part of it ... The herbs, the fir tree, I become a part of it. The morning mists, the clouds, the gathering waters, I become a part of it. The wilderness, the dew drops, the pollen ... I become a part of it. --Navajo Chant-- Karl David Hunnicutt, age 58, went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2017. Karl was born on February 1, 1959, in Weatherford, Texas, and moved to Jonesboro, Georgia, with his family in 1964. A long-time resident of Florida, he loved his work as an electrician and derived great pleasure from his many years of association with Bobbie Flinchum, as well as with Merit Electric. As a very young boy, playing Cowboys and Indians with his brother and sister, he preferred to play the Native. Instead of joining the Cub Scouts, Karl decided to join the YMCA Indian Guides, an organization for father and son. He earned several badges, including those for archery, swimming, and camping. His badge for taxidermy involved several boxes of ice cream salt, his father's .22, and a hapless squirrel. Karl soon became adept at catching young squirrels with his bare hands and taming them. They could reliably be found snuggled in his pockets or riding on his shoulder or head. During his later youth, Karl asked to have his m~m separate garden, instead of working in the family plot. Besides pumpkins, he planted Indian com in the traditional way, placing a fish (which he caught) along with the seeds in each hill. His successful harvest thrilled both him and his family, and for many years afterward, Indian com was a centerpiece of his gardening. He once surprised his mother, a talented and skilled seamstress, by asking her to teach him how to sew. He created many practical items, including a series of pouches. During his last years, Karl crafted and sewed by hand a pair of leather moccasins and a pair of doeskin breeches. Both creations were worn regularly after work, during his walks through parks and wilderness areas with his Jack Russell rescue and best friend, Roscoe, until they completely gave out. He slept under an elk skin during cold weather, and among his belongings was found one newly constructed, completed, moccasin. It was during these quiet times of solitude and hiking that Karl was most at peace. He loved watching wildlife and learning their secret ways. He ate fresh fruit during these walks and always planted the seeds. He very much enjoyed the thought that all over Florida, at least some of his seeds would grow and mark his presence here. Grandfather, Great Spirit, once more behold me on earth and lean to hear myfeeble voice. You lived firs/, and you are older than all need, older than all prayer. All things belong lo you - the two-legged, the wings of the air, and all green things that live. You have set the powers ofthefour quarters of the earth to cross each other_ You have made me cross the good road and road of difficulties, and where they cross, the place is holy_ Day in, day out. forevermore, you are the life of things_ Hey! Lean to hear my feeble voice. At the center of the sacred hoop, You have said that I should make the tree to bloom_ With tears running, 0 Great Spirit, my Grandfather, With running eyes I must say the tree never bloomed Here I stand, and the tree is withered Again, I recall the great vision you gave me_ It may he that some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it then That it may leaf And bloom Andfill with singing bird~' Hear me, that the people may once again Find the good road And the shielding tree_ --Earth Prayer ofOglala Sioux Holy Man, Black Elk-- Karl is survived by two beloved daughters, Karla Sheree Rapes and Kari Yvonne Hunnicutt; sonin- law Shay Rapes; two grandchildren, Tyler and Ashton Rapes, all of Ola, Georgia. Also surviving is his mother, Merrillene Wnite, and his sister, Joni Lynn Hunnicutt, both of Jonesboro, Georgia; and his brother, Randall Thomas Hunnicutt, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is predeceased by his father, Albert Ray Hunnicutt, of Wortham, Texas. Karl will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Let us know peace. For as long as the moon shall rise, For as long as the rivers shall flow, For as long as the sun shall shine, For as long as the grass shall grow, Let us know peace. --Cheyenne Prayer for Peace--

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Karl David Hunnicutt

February 1, 1959 - July 17, 2017