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 ONeill 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 Hunters 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.

Visitation

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

First Baptist Church Morganton

Service

June 18, 2025
11 a.m.

First Baptist Church Morganton

Committal

N/A

Tribute Wall

Leave a tribute for Hunter Lee Ensley.

Black Candle
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We are so very sorry for Michael and Rhonda and the entire Ensley family for the loss of son, Hunter. Although he will no longer be walking the land and exploring the nature around him that he loved so much, our memories of his curiosity, intellect, friendship and smile will shine brightly with each of us every day. Bless you.

—Carl and Lynne Kohrt
White Candle

Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart goes out to all of you. Sending prayers for peace and comfort.

—Angela Marsh

Our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers for the Ensley Family. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

—Bill and Kelly Wood
White Candle

I am deeply sorry I did not have the privilege of knowing Hunter; he was an exceptional young man. My thoughts and prayers are with Rhonda, Michael and other family and friends who were close to Hunter. Irene von Lazar

—Irene von Lazar

Praying for your family.

—Bonnie Ensley, Amy and John Ward, Brooke and Chris Branks and family
Burgundy Candle

Hunter was smart, kind, and embracing of all others. His death is a devastating loss for parents who dedicated their lives to raising a tremendous young man and for a community that would have benefited from his future goals. This is a tough time for his generation. Rhonda and Michael we are here to support you in going through what no parent should ever have to endure. Rest in peace Hunter.

—Megan Sacchetti
Beige Candle

Dear Rhonda and Michael, There are no words that could ease your unimaginable pain of losing Hunter. Our heart aches with yours and we will keep you and Hunter in our prayers. With deepest sympathy and love. Bettina and Jürgen

—Bettina Bastian
Burgundy Candle
—Jeff & Trisha Richardson
Blue Candle

—Anonymous
Blue Candle

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

—Lisa Stamey