Committal
Hunter Lee Ensley – 20 years old of Morganton, North Carolina was a student at Duke University. He was born in Albany, New York and grew up in Morganton, North Carolina. He loved the outdoors and especially loved the farm on which he grew up, the Perkins Farm. The Perkins Farm was his place of solitude, and he was always at ease there. Hunter was a person who bonded deeply with those whom he called family and friends. No one had a better friend than Hunter. Those of us who were the closest to him will be permanently affected by the loss of such a close friend, family member, and son.
Hunter was proceeded in death by his Nana, Vivian Pauline Dean Ensley and his uncle Anthony Gehle. Hunter is survived by his parents, Rhonda and Michael Ensley of the home, grandparents Haven & Carol Ensley of Morganton, Millie & Richard Goodell of Franklin, NC, and Richard & Karen Gehle of Okeechobee, FL. Uncles Randall Gehle & wife Annette, David Ensley & wife Kim, Sean O’Neill and wife Danielle, Aunts Vicki Todd & husband Mark, and Renee Palmer & husband Joel. Four first cousins also survived, Michael Todd, Allie Todd, Kaitlin Ensley, and Cassidy Lakes.
Hunter was a person of many accomplishments as he was the Class of 2022 Valedictorian at Freedom High School, an Eagle Scout, and had a vast array of other accomplishments. His mind was keen and powerful and even at Duke University he had a mind capable of challenging the strongest scholarly thinkers. To demonstrate his range of capabilities he was also an accomplished equipment operator. Hunter was able to do anything that he cared to do and anything he set his mind to.
The loss of such a young and promising person defies explanation and understanding. Hunter found this world full of hypocrisy and pain. He is now in his forever home with the Lord Jesus and his Nana with whom he is playing Secret Agent. Hunter was our heartbeat, and our hearts will never beat right again. We will miss him and love him forever and be joyous when we meet him again standing by his Nana and our Lord Jesus. The world is a bit less bright, a bit gloomier, and will never be the same. Please pray for us as we learn to cope with a loss much too early in life.
A celebration of Hunter’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Morganton, North Carolina on his birthday, June 18th, 2025, with a visitation starting at 9:30am and the service starting at 11:00am.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Hunter Lee Ensley.
My deepest and most sincere condolences to Micheal and family, I cannot imagine the pain that you are feeling… but always remember, Proverbs 3:5-6…know he is home and you will see him again.
My heart aches for you Rhonda, Michael and family. I met Hunter only a couple of times and just was amazed by all of his smiles, kindness and intelligence. I pray that you find healing in knowing that Hunter is among many angels and is being swept in by open arms. I hope to visit sometime in the autumn. Love , Aunt Marge
The first time I ever met Hunter was as a freshman in high school. He looked at me and said “You look like someone who likes hugs”, asked if he could hug me, and proceeded to share his random snacks me, someone he just met. I would continue to interact with him, many of our classes the same. I was always fascinated by how intelligent he was. To this day, I still stand by in awe of him. He’s one of the people who you just can’t miss the small details of. Which, he had a way of making anyone themselves feel seen too. You couldn’t help but just smile, he was so endearingly Hunter. I haven’t spoken to him since the end of high school, but I always wondered what he was up to. I send my deepest condolences. May Peace and Love find us all in life. My thoughts are with you immensely.
Dear Haven and extended family. So sorry for your loss of this talented young man.
Our hearts and love goes to The Whole Family during this time. Our family prays for comfort and strength for All of you. All we can say is that we know that feeling and we are here for you for anything to help and comfort one another. Our prayers, condolences and love to you all in the name of Jesus! The Sic family 💞❤️
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to you all.