ROCKY MOUNT (WSLS 10) – Colleagues of the late Sheriff Ewell Hunt said his 32-year-tenure was filled with kindness and dedication.
Hunt died after having a heart attack Saturday morning in Rocky Mount. He was 60-years-old. He leaves behind a wife of 25 years and a 25-year-old daughter.
Recommended Videos
A smiling face, and a strong leader; Ewell hunt's legacy lives on in those he taught.
Franklin County 911 Director C.W. Thomas said teaching was one of his best attributes.
"He was an excellent officer, and he used those abilities to teach others," Thomas said.
Lt. William Martin works in the Franklin Co. jail as a correctional officer. He said he remembers his first day on the job - more than two decades ago - when Ewell took him to pick up his uniform and gave him some valuable words of advice on the way.
(He said) I want you to know something, something that you will carry with you the rest of your life. (There is) one thing that you need to know. You need to treat people the way you want to be treated and treat them with the utmost respect," Martin said.
Words he said he's never forgotten.
"That stuck with me for 30 years, and I still use that message today," Martin said.
C.W. Thomas served with Hunt over 35 years. Thomas said Hunt gave him a promotion for which he worked hard.
"That's something that will always be special to me. He gave me the opportunity to prove my leadership skills," Thomas said.
He also said Hunt was a man who never gave up.
"When he got a case, he never dropped it until he finished it. He followed it all the way to the end," Thomas said.
Hunt started as a patrolman and worked his way up the ranks. He was one of the first to be forensically trained in the department.
Those who worked with Hunt said he cared about his brothers on the force.
VA LEAP coordinator Libby Legg began working with him when she was the head of Ferrum colleges police department.
"His support was constant, unwaivering throughout," Legg said. "Anytime I ever needed anything, Ewell was there to offer assistance."
Even in the law enforcement's darkest hours, his colleagues say he was the first to show up and the last to leave.
"When it hits bottom, Ewell was there. And he stayed throughout the entire time," Legg said.
He may be gone, but for his colleagues, he will never be forgotten.
Flora funeral home in Rocky Mount is handling funeral arrangements.
The viewing will be held Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Flora funeral home. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at Trinity Eucumenical Parish in West Lake.