Visitation

June 18, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Service

June 18, 2025
11 a.m.

Committal

N/A

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.

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White Candle

my prayers are with you Rhonda and family.

—Monica Webster
—Kathi Maness
White Candle

Our hearts have been heavy with the ache of your loss. We think of you both and while we don't know your heartbreak we our reminded of how fragile, painful and beautiful life is. We are sending our deepest condolences and embracing you from afar. Love to you both and your entire family, John & Tammy Derry

—John & Tammy Derry
—Manoj Sahasrabudhe
White Candle

No words from us with my family to YOU all but we do understand all the emotions that all may bring. Our heart, prayers for everyone! Our daughter Maria has good memories with Hunter during their Elementary-HS years. Our condolences to everyone. We are here to help in anyway as we were at one point we were welcome into a club that we never signed up for. We thank God and the support of many in our community that has become family sent from God to help, support, be there for us and listened to our sorrows and unanswered questions. May God give you the comfort and strength. Our love to you; The Sic Family

—Juliana Sic
Blue Candle

My heart aches for your family. Please know I have prayed for your family constantly and that you are so very close to my heart. I pray for God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Our community grieves with you. ❤️

—Ellen Settlemyer
Burgundy Candle

Rhonda, Michael, we are praying for you and Hunter. Our hearts ache for you —Jim Sabin

—Jim Sabin
Black Candle

—Mike Charles

Our hearts ache for you. There are no words that can take away your pain and grief but know that we are praying for comfort and peace for you now and in the days to come. Much love from your Cane Creek family.

—Norma and Mike Clayton

Hunter was a beautiful young man. We will never forget him.

—Susanne Long