George “Nick” Hunt, a Moore County, N.C.
native, served four years in the Air Force
and worked 32 years for Hughes Aircraft
Company in California as a Laboratory
Manager. He retired from Hughes in 1988,
returned to the Sandhills with his late
wife, Shirley, and (in 1989) became the
Moore County Veterans Service Officer;
he served as president of the National
Association of County Veterans Service
Officers (2001-2002). Now retired, he lives
in Carthage, N.C. with his daughter and
two grandchildren.
Mon - Fri
8:30 - 5:00
I Found The Strength
To Go On
by George Nick Hunt
In 1988 Shirley and I moved to Whispering
Pines, North Carolina, from Harbor City,
California. She was a true Californian and loved
having a mall on every corner. That, along with
the fact that all of her family lived there made
the transition to N.C. very difficult. There was
no mall in Aberdeen; the nearest large shopping
area was 35 miles away in Fayetteville, N.C., and
her mom was 2,000 miles away. Needless to say,
I had a very unhappy wife for the next two years.
Finally, Wal-Mart became Shirley’s mall, and our
life in our church was blessed.
One day, she found a lump in her breast,
and our lives changed. Doctor visits, surgery,
chemo, radiation, remission and in and out
of the hospital. Good days and bad days, and
finally the end came to this vigorous woman of
God. She trusted God to the very end and told
me she was sure that God had healed her, even if
we could not see it, She Was Healed.
One of the last things I remember her saying
was, “I Love Jesus.” I prayed for her life each day.
At her passing, God walked with me through the
difficult days, and I was able to Bless God for
her Home-Going. There was sadness at the loss
of my heart, for she truly was my heart, but she
had left so many wonderful memories for me to
look back upon. The sadness was only for a short
time; the joy of the Lord became my strength.
One Day at a Time
by George Nick Hunt
I’m walking with Jesus, walking one day at a time,
Through the rain and the sunshine,
I’m walking with Jesus one day at a time.
I’m walking with Jesus, walking one day at a time,
When the cares of this world cloud my day,
I’m walking with Jesus one day at a time.
I’m walking with Jesus, walking one day at a time,
Perfect peace is mine.
Gone are all doubts and fears and,
I’m walking with Jesus one day at a time.
I’m walking with Jesus, walking one day at a time,
In good times and bad.
When friends are all gone, never alone,
He will never forsake me or leave my side.
One day at a time with his hand in mine,
One day at a time with Jesus, one day at a time,
one day at a time.
Waiting
by George Nick Hunt
As a breeze cools the sultry air,
And a rippling stream cools the night air,
As the call of the night birds sooth my spirit,
As the tree frog sends forth his voice,
I call for her, my lover and best friend.
And I steal away from reality,
To search for her again and again.
Never again shall we walk hand in hand,
Until that final day when I shall be caught away,
And my love shall say,
Welcome Home, I too have waited so long.
PACK UP con't from FRONT PAGE
And the list goes on.
Just a two-hour car ride away from the
Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area,
Wilmington and its Island Beaches should
absolutely be on your travel wish list this year.
Intrigued? We’ve got your getaway guide
right here.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
There’s nothing more relaxing than a
waterside stroll. Wilmington’s Riverwalk is a
nearly two-mile boardwalk that runs along
the scenic Cape Fear River and is lined with
independently owned shops and waterfront
restaurants. For a seaside stroll, make time to
visit the nationally recognized boardwalk at
nearby Carolina Beach. The boardwalk has made
Budget Travel’s list of America’s Most Awesome
Boardwalks – along with other top honors – and
is home to some of the island’s most nostalgic
spots that have called Carolina Beach home for
decades.
Feast on Non-Traditional Beach Fare
A dining Renaissance is underway
in Wilmington. From award-winning
independently owned (no chains here)
restaurants serving up fresh, farm-to-table
dishes to oceanfront, family-favorites—there’s
something for everyone. Visitors can even take
a guided culinary tour or plan to visit during
signature food festivals or restaurant weeks to
experience the flavors of Wilmington’s coast.
Explore Historical Landmarks
Established in 1739, Wilmington played a
significant role in the Revolutionary War, the
Civil War and WWII. Today, spanning 230-plus
blocks, Wilmington’s National Register Historic
District is one of the largest in the country. Take
in all of the historic sites Wilmington has to offer
with visits to the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA,
Bellamy Mansion, Burgwin-Wright House and
Latimer House, among others. Historic walking
tours are also available to discover Wilmington’s
hidden, sometimes haunted, history.
Discover Nature’s Beauty
Hop in a kayak with Kayak Carolina and
experience exotic wildlife sightings such as
white ibis, Venus flytraps, sea turtles and
more. Guided trained naturalists and certified
instructors take visitors to Zeke’s Island Reserve
at Kure Beach, Masonboro Island just south of
Wrightsville Beach, and Sugarloaf Dune Hike at
PACK UP con't. p. 35
Enjoy dining at sunset.
No. 129 The Pinehurst Gazette, Inc. p.7