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.

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I am your mail carrier and I'm so sorry to hear about this! I will be praying for your family!

—Catherine Darling
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It was such a blessing and honor to know Hunter. He was truly one of a kind and one of the best friends anyone could have. I miss his hugs and giant smile! I am forever blessed to have had him in my life.

—Mattie Plaster
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May you find comfort and peace in all the memories you have. With sympathy and love. Avril

—Avril Tatum

Rhonda & Michael We are praying for you both and Hunter too. I have no words, but please know Mike and I love and respect all three of you.

—Carol Maxwell
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The world has lost a special person much too soon, but Hunter’s legacy of love for nature, for knowledge, and for his family will endure forever in our memories and those of his loving parents, Rhonda and Michael.

—Carl and Lynne Kohrt
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Prayers for the family from a friend of a friend.

—Ronnie Ratliffe
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God Bless your family as you go through this absolutely heartbreaking time, We will continue to pray for your family May he rest in peace Marc & Cindy Hatchel

—marc s hatchel
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Rhonda and Michael, We are deeply sorry for the loss of Hunter. He will be missed and always remembered. Our hearts are with you and the whole family during this incredibly difficult time. We are lifting you and your family up in prayer and will continue to hold you close in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. We are close by if you need anything. We love you all. Kelli, John and Peyton Chasteen

—Kelli (Sellers) Chasteen

It has been a few years since we have seen Hunter but we remember him as a sweet and very bright young man. Our hearts break for his parents, grandparents and other dear family. We love you all.

—Angela Nicholas and Al
—Anonymous