Gospel singer 'Slim' Hunt dies at 72
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on February 26, 2007 1:45 PM
The Rev. Howard "Slim" Hunt , a fixture in Wayne County music and religious circles for decades, died Sunday at Wayne Memorial Hospital at the age of 72.
Hunt's musical career as the leader of Slim and The Supreme Angels took him to the top of the industry as a Grammy Award nominee and a recipient of the Stellar Award, a gospel music award, with tunes like "Stay Under The Blood," "Over Yonder" and "Blind Man."
Hunt, a native of Walnut Grove, Miss., was a natural musician and eventually joined a gospel group in Milwaukee, Wis., the Soul Seekers. He later joined the Supreme Angels, as a singer and guitar player.
Over the years, the group traveled the country playing gospel music and the occasional rock 'n' roll or blues tune.
Hunt later re-created the group under the name, Slim and the Supreme Angels. The new group toured and recorded a breakthrough record, "Shame on You," in 1974, that became a gold record.
Wayne County radio announcer Bob Swinson met Hunt in Milwaukee and convinced him to move to Goldsboro, where Swinson would book him concerts. Swinson ended up being Hunt's manager and Hunt's voice became well known in the area.
Hunt founded the Deliverance Temple in Dillon, S.C., in 1986 and eventually then the Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ in Goldsboro.
He became a popular speaker and entertainer in the area and was honored several times for his outstanding citizenship by the late Mayor Hal Plonk and current Mayor Al King.
Hunt was described today by friends as a humble man who was always willing to help someone in need.
His funeral will be held Friday at 9 a.m. at the Greater North Carolina Jurisdictional Church of God in Christ headquarters at 1609 Wendell Road in Wendell. He will be buried in Wayne Memorial Park.
Hunt is survived by his wife, Barbara, his three daughters, two sons, two brothers, two sisters and seven grandchildren.
The viewing will be held Thursday from 2-7 p.m. at Love Temple United Holy Church at 201 N. Oak Forest Road in Goldsboro.