RICKY'S OBITUARY
The year 1955 was brimming with hope and promise—even though the nation was in the throes of the Civil Rights Movement. That year Walt Disney opened his soon-to-become world famous theme park in Anaheim, California; The Guinness Book of World Records was first published; the arrest of Rosa L. Parks sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott; and on November 18, 1955, Annie and Wardell increased the population of Buffalo, New York, by one to 580,132 residents with the birth of a son they named Wardell Conway Hunter, Jr., affectionately known as Ricky. Born with a natural curiosity about people and the world around him, he would spend much of his seventy years living in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, building a life distinguished by entrepreneurship, hard work, personal style, laughter, and an uncommon ability to connect with people.
His quest for learning began in Buffalo Public Schools where he studied business and graduated from East High School. Gifted with his hands and possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, he enrolled at Niagara Hair Styling and earned his cosmetology license. He grew in his skills as a licensed professional barber, cosmetologist, and hair colorist, eventually owning and operating Hair Hunter’s Unisex Salon and Hair Hunter’s II Unisex Salon. Within Black communities, barbershops and hair salons are sacred spaces where people–young and old alike–visit for grooming and more. His shops became welcoming destinations where conversations flowed easily and the chair offered him yet another opportunity to do what he did naturally: connect with people.
He married Ruby Hunter and became a young father. His children remember something special about growing up with him: in many ways, they grew up together. He was unquestionably Daddy, and he was also their road dog, traveling companion, movie-watching partner, storyteller, and eventually the father they could hang out and party with as adults. His daughter fondly remembers going everywhere with her dad and later in life riding motorcycles with him. His namesake son recalls a father who never acted too old to invest in time with his children. Their friends noticed the closeness and often remarked on how fortunate they were to have such an active and involved father. He extended that same sense of belonging beyond those related to him by blood.
Once he cared about you, he had a way of making you family. His children’s friends became his friends and were often treated as sons and daughters. Over the years, he walked them down the aisle to be married, he shared motorcycle rides and roundups with others, and still with others clowned around together. Their closeness never diminished his role as a parent, God parent, and father figure. He taught all of his children, he protected them, he advised them, and he showed up for their important moments. Whether helping one child open his first bank account, or encouraging another to spread her wings and travel the world, much of what he instilled was a love of learning and living.
A modern day Renaissance Man, he never limited himself to one career pathway or a single stream of income (Never spend all your money and Always keep some change in your pocket where mantras he lived by). He also owned and managed Auto Wholesales, where he repaired and sold used vehicles. Over his life’s journey, he worked in armed security and investigations, electrical work, heavy equipment, and other trades. If something needed fixing, he usually knew how to handle it. If there was something worth learning, he was willing to learn it. If there was something worth selling, chances are he would find a buyer. A lifelong learner, he continued sharpening his skills through advanced professional education and certifications in hair coloring and cosmetology, including training through Dudley’s Cosmetology University and with Synaplex, Motions, Revlon, Roux, SoftSheen, and other leaders of the beauty industry.
A businessman with style, he believed presentation mattered. He loved clothes and was known for his hats, shoes, cowboy boots, snakeskin boots, Buffalo Bills gear, and especially his suits. When he dressed for an occasion, he would “look like new money” every time. His attention to detail and style became part of what he passed to his children. He also endowed them with a desire to serve. Over the years, he was recognized for his talents and service to others by the Community Action Organization of Erie County and the Buffalo Board of Education. He also received the Refuge Temple Youth Congress Appreciation award, Daemen College “Professional of the Year” award, and a Community Service award.
He was rarely at a loss for words and he could tell stories all day long and twice on Sunday. He was a natural born comedian and his clowning around was legendary. You haven’t lived until you’ve witnessed him imitating the way someone walked or talked so precisely that everyone immediately knew exactly who he was imitating. Ultimately, he wanted everyone around him to feel welcomed so much so that they could “party like rock stars!” He enjoyed good food, good music, and good times. For him, Thanksgiving remained a time-honored tradition and a nod to his beloved grandmother (Oh, how he loved a breakfast and well-stocked buffet!). He loved jazz music and Sade was his muse. He enjoyed long-distance running, and he competed in races throughout the Buffalo area. Through it all, family remained his heart. When his children became parents themselves and grandchildren arrived, he continued showing up. He wrestled with his grandchildren, played football with them, joked with them, and gave them the same energetic presence his children remembered. And for thirty-nine years, Delores “Jean” Burks shared life with him as his soulmate and partner, experiencing with him the family, friendships, laughter, celebrations, and ordinary moments that became a life together.
Wardell Conway “Ricky” Hunter, Jr. remains a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, godfather, partner, businessman, biker, and friend. He departed this life on August 2, 2026. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lela Hunter; his parents, Annie Margarette Coley Hunter and Wardell Conway Hunter Sr.; his son, Maxx Hunter; his daughter-in-law, Danielle M. Hunter; his grandsons, Cletus R. Stewart and Brandon Addison; and other loved ones including, Breck “Papa” Cowans, Ursula Stewart, Rosetta Stewart, and Joseph B. Medley Jr.
When we think of him, let’s remember the life he brought into a room and the laughter that always followed. Think of Breeze when you see a motorcycle cruising by or hear Sade playing in the background. Remember him when the Buffalo Bills take the field whether they win or lose. When we think of Ricky, let’s remember the night owl who loved being where the action was and knew so many people that he could’ve been the mayor of the city. If we listen close enough, we’ll hear him checking in on us from above: “What up?”
Ricky’s memory will be cherished by his life partner, Delores “Jean” Burks; his children, Lisa Stewart, Cletus Stewart, Victoria Stewart, Nicole McCleary, Fleur Hunter, Wardell C. Hunter III, Latoria Ladell Hunter, Justine Nicole Hunter, Trevonia Hunter, Cherise Burks, and Rodney Burks; his goddaughter, Danitra “NeeNee” McDade; his grandchildren, Sham Chester Chamblee Jr., Shamar Wardell Chamblee, Hunter Robert Thomas, Latoria Ladell Bailey, River Danielle-Elizabeth Hunter, Latoria Shipman, Shalaire Johnson, Bryce Hunter, Silas Farr, Shalisa Moore, Wardell C. Hunter IV, Warren Hunter, Christopher McCleary, Winston Hunter, Marquea Sudduth, Monae Allen, Tywan Stewart, Marquita Harper, Chantel Bishop, Quintina Stewart, Monica Edwards, Jessika Stewart, Cletus A. Stewart Jr., Kyla Verse, Ka’den Stewart, Khyiah Stewart, Aubree Reed, Kash Stewart, Nicholas Johnson, Jaylen Patten, Daneisha Washington, Ronnie McKnight, and Kaden Williams; fourteen great-granddaughters, ten great-grandsons, and one great-great-granddaughter.
Others who count it a blessing to have known and loved Ricky include siblings Nancy Hunter, Ruele Hunter, Odessa Hunter and Millicent Hunter; his circle of extended family and friends, Mary (Gene) Woods, Sarah Virges, Franklin Stewart, Freddie Stewart, Walter Stewart, Tyrone Stewart, Joseph Stewart, Danny Stewart, Hazel Watson, and Cedric Gibson; Ruby Hunter; Barbara “Auntie Ann” Smith, Tony Rose, Gabriel Russell-Webster, Loreatha Stewart, Darcy Harrington, Gloria Awward, Shamar Ashley, Vanico El-Amin, Jonise Hall, Tamara Ward, Kenneth Virges, Shamica “MooMoo” Bivens, Lashandra “Shawnie” Cooperwood, Latonjha Eldridge, Emile Lewis, Fredrick “Pockets” Davis, Elijah Mack, Antonio Hill, Desmond Reeves, and Aaron “Link” Potter; the Stewart and Coley families; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; members of Dragon Masters Motorcycle Club and the Buffalo Special Police Association; his fellow Buffalo Bills fans; and many other lifelong friends and loved ones.
© 2026 LEADright and The Hunter Family
His quest for learning began in Buffalo Public Schools where he studied business and graduated from East High School. Gifted with his hands and possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, he enrolled at Niagara Hair Styling and earned his cosmetology license. He grew in his skills as a licensed professional barber, cosmetologist, and hair colorist, eventually owning and operating Hair Hunter’s Unisex Salon and Hair Hunter’s II Unisex Salon. Within Black communities, barbershops and hair salons are sacred spaces where people–young and old alike–visit for grooming and more. His shops became welcoming destinations where conversations flowed easily and the chair offered him yet another opportunity to do what he did naturally: connect with people.
He married Ruby Hunter and became a young father. His children remember something special about growing up with him: in many ways, they grew up together. He was unquestionably Daddy, and he was also their road dog, traveling companion, movie-watching partner, storyteller, and eventually the father they could hang out and party with as adults. His daughter fondly remembers going everywhere with her dad and later in life riding motorcycles with him. His namesake son recalls a father who never acted too old to invest in time with his children. Their friends noticed the closeness and often remarked on how fortunate they were to have such an active and involved father. He extended that same sense of belonging beyond those related to him by blood.
Once he cared about you, he had a way of making you family. His children’s friends became his friends and were often treated as sons and daughters. Over the years, he walked them down the aisle to be married, he shared motorcycle rides and roundups with others, and still with others clowned around together. Their closeness never diminished his role as a parent, God parent, and father figure. He taught all of his children, he protected them, he advised them, and he showed up for their important moments. Whether helping one child open his first bank account, or encouraging another to spread her wings and travel the world, much of what he instilled was a love of learning and living.
A modern day Renaissance Man, he never limited himself to one career pathway or a single stream of income (Never spend all your money and Always keep some change in your pocket where mantras he lived by). He also owned and managed Auto Wholesales, where he repaired and sold used vehicles. Over his life’s journey, he worked in armed security and investigations, electrical work, heavy equipment, and other trades. If something needed fixing, he usually knew how to handle it. If there was something worth learning, he was willing to learn it. If there was something worth selling, chances are he would find a buyer. A lifelong learner, he continued sharpening his skills through advanced professional education and certifications in hair coloring and cosmetology, including training through Dudley’s Cosmetology University and with Synaplex, Motions, Revlon, Roux, SoftSheen, and other leaders of the beauty industry.
A businessman with style, he believed presentation mattered. He loved clothes and was known for his hats, shoes, cowboy boots, snakeskin boots, Buffalo Bills gear, and especially his suits. When he dressed for an occasion, he would “look like new money” every time. His attention to detail and style became part of what he passed to his children. He also endowed them with a desire to serve. Over the years, he was recognized for his talents and service to others by the Community Action Organization of Erie County and the Buffalo Board of Education. He also received the Refuge Temple Youth Congress Appreciation award, Daemen College “Professional of the Year” award, and a Community Service award.
He was rarely at a loss for words and he could tell stories all day long and twice on Sunday. He was a natural born comedian and his clowning around was legendary. You haven’t lived until you’ve witnessed him imitating the way someone walked or talked so precisely that everyone immediately knew exactly who he was imitating. Ultimately, he wanted everyone around him to feel welcomed so much so that they could “party like rock stars!” He enjoyed good food, good music, and good times. For him, Thanksgiving remained a time-honored tradition and a nod to his beloved grandmother (Oh, how he loved a breakfast and well-stocked buffet!). He loved jazz music and Sade was his muse. He enjoyed long-distance running, and he competed in races throughout the Buffalo area. Through it all, family remained his heart. When his children became parents themselves and grandchildren arrived, he continued showing up. He wrestled with his grandchildren, played football with them, joked with them, and gave them the same energetic presence his children remembered. And for thirty-nine years, Delores “Jean” Burks shared life with him as his soulmate and partner, experiencing with him the family, friendships, laughter, celebrations, and ordinary moments that became a life together.
Wardell Conway “Ricky” Hunter, Jr. remains a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, godfather, partner, businessman, biker, and friend. He departed this life on August 2, 2026. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lela Hunter; his parents, Annie Margarette Coley Hunter and Wardell Conway Hunter Sr.; his son, Maxx Hunter; his daughter-in-law, Danielle M. Hunter; his grandsons, Cletus R. Stewart and Brandon Addison; and other loved ones including, Breck “Papa” Cowans, Ursula Stewart, Rosetta Stewart, and Joseph B. Medley Jr.
When we think of him, let’s remember the life he brought into a room and the laughter that always followed. Think of Breeze when you see a motorcycle cruising by or hear Sade playing in the background. Remember him when the Buffalo Bills take the field whether they win or lose. When we think of Ricky, let’s remember the night owl who loved being where the action was and knew so many people that he could’ve been the mayor of the city. If we listen close enough, we’ll hear him checking in on us from above: “What up?”
Ricky’s memory will be cherished by his life partner, Delores “Jean” Burks; his children, Lisa Stewart, Cletus Stewart, Victoria Stewart, Nicole McCleary, Fleur Hunter, Wardell C. Hunter III, Latoria Ladell Hunter, Justine Nicole Hunter, Trevonia Hunter, Cherise Burks, and Rodney Burks; his goddaughter, Danitra “NeeNee” McDade; his grandchildren, Sham Chester Chamblee Jr., Shamar Wardell Chamblee, Hunter Robert Thomas, Latoria Ladell Bailey, River Danielle-Elizabeth Hunter, Latoria Shipman, Shalaire Johnson, Bryce Hunter, Silas Farr, Shalisa Moore, Wardell C. Hunter IV, Warren Hunter, Christopher McCleary, Winston Hunter, Marquea Sudduth, Monae Allen, Tywan Stewart, Marquita Harper, Chantel Bishop, Quintina Stewart, Monica Edwards, Jessika Stewart, Cletus A. Stewart Jr., Kyla Verse, Ka’den Stewart, Khyiah Stewart, Aubree Reed, Kash Stewart, Nicholas Johnson, Jaylen Patten, Daneisha Washington, Ronnie McKnight, and Kaden Williams; fourteen great-granddaughters, ten great-grandsons, and one great-great-granddaughter.
Others who count it a blessing to have known and loved Ricky include siblings Nancy Hunter, Ruele Hunter, Odessa Hunter and Millicent Hunter; his circle of extended family and friends, Mary (Gene) Woods, Sarah Virges, Franklin Stewart, Freddie Stewart, Walter Stewart, Tyrone Stewart, Joseph Stewart, Danny Stewart, Hazel Watson, and Cedric Gibson; Ruby Hunter; Barbara “Auntie Ann” Smith, Tony Rose, Gabriel Russell-Webster, Loreatha Stewart, Darcy Harrington, Gloria Awward, Shamar Ashley, Vanico El-Amin, Jonise Hall, Tamara Ward, Kenneth Virges, Shamica “MooMoo” Bivens, Lashandra “Shawnie” Cooperwood, Latonjha Eldridge, Emile Lewis, Fredrick “Pockets” Davis, Elijah Mack, Antonio Hill, Desmond Reeves, and Aaron “Link” Potter; the Stewart and Coley families; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; members of Dragon Masters Motorcycle Club and the Buffalo Special Police Association; his fellow Buffalo Bills fans; and many other lifelong friends and loved ones.
© 2026 LEADright and The Hunter Family
VIEW SLIDE SHOW OF MOMENTS WITH RICKY
REFLECTIONS FROM RICKYS'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Share your expressions of sympathy with the family by visiting https://www.thomastedwardsfuneralhome.com/obituary/wardell-hunter-jr
You have been part of my life for many years and your love of life, for me, and for your family and friends will shine through in so many inspiring ways. Rest in peace with Maxx! Love you. – Jean, Life Partner 
A Letter to My Dad. Thank you for all the messages, wisdom, and life lessons you shared with me during those late nights at the hair shop (Hair Hunters) on East Ferry and later at the shop on Genesee. Those moments meant more than you’ll ever know. They shaped the man I became as you taught me about money, business, family, relationships, and life itself. My friends often admired the bond we shared and would tell me how lucky I was to have such an active and involved father. You were there for every important event and milestone in my life—from helping me open my first bank account, picking out my first suits, teaching me how to drive, attending my high school orientation, and taking me to college. Through every stage of my life, you showed up. You never acted like you were too old to spend time with us. You laughed with us, talked with us, and hung out with us like you were our age. My children were blessed to experience that same love and presence. They, too, got to see what it meant to have a grandfather who always showed up. I will forever cherish the memories we made together—the food, the cooking, the laughter, the trips, the cruises, the parties, the family celebrations, and our countless conversations about life.. More importantly, because of your example, I learned the importance of always showing up for my own children. That is one of the greatest gifts you ever gave me. Dad, job well done. Thank you for raising your son, Wardell C. Hunter III, “Lil Rick.” I proudly carry your name, and I will proudly carry your legacy for the rest of my life. Love always. – Wardell C. Hunter III |
Time just slipped away! As the tape rolls back in my mind tears roll down my face. From a little girl, you taught me not to be afraid of anything or anybody you always had my back. As a young lady, you taught me how to carry myself with grace and style. You were always sharp. I was proud to say you were my dad. To a grown adult, you taught me to never let the grass grow under my feet, travel the world, and learn different things. You have always played a part in all the steps in my life. This is a step I never wanted to take. Thank you for being a great Dad. I love you always. – Lisa, Daughter
Hi Daddy, it’s me, your road dog. The one you took with you everywhere back in your younger days. I am going to keep it brief since we talked so often and about any and everything that there wasn’t much left unsaid. I will carry the bond we had with me forever. Saying I will miss you it’s enough, saying I love you doesn’t give you justice, so what is it that can be said? I’ll say this; my life is the life you set the path for and I walk it proudly and with honor knowing you helped pave the way. I will continue on this path until I see you again. – Love your Daughter Vyk Dad, thank you for every ride and every memory we shared on our motorcycles. Those moments will stay with me forever. Until we ride together again, I love you and will carry you with me wherever the road leads. ❤️ Love Hunny Daddy, You and I were truly two of a kind. I often laugh when I think about how much of my spirited and sometimes crazy nature I inherited from you—something my mom always reminded me of. You never failed to be there for me through every significant moment in my life, regardless of whatever adventure you were pursuing at the time. We shared so many laughs, memories, and moments that I will carry with me forever. I will miss you more deeply than words can express. The love you gave me, my children, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing you will never be forgotten. Your presence may no longer be with us, but the impact you made and the memories you left behind will remain in our hearts always. Love, Toya “Your partner in crime” God Daddy you loved me as your daughter and I loved you as my Dad. You would tell everybody that's my God baby. You came to Florida just to walk me down that aisle with a big ole smile. We rode motorcycles and went to roundups. But our best time is us always clowning around, anywhere, around anybody, and we did that till the end. I did this journey with you strong and proud. I thank God for you being my God Father. Love You Always. – Nee Nee, God Daughter |
“Ricky” by Odessa Hunter, Sister
Ricky is my brother, and the words I am expressing are his cover
He had a great sense of humor, it was part of his demeanor
He could crack some jokes that would mess up some folks
He was sharp as a tack, when he walked by people would look back
He had a unique smile, stuck to him like His smile was dialing, and kept milese textile
Meaning it went a long way on any day
Meaning exposed to everyone he knows
He was well groomed and it bloomedHe loved his hats, and that is a fact
He dressed to impress
He wore them with everything, and it ringed
Everything he attached, matched
He was smooth as a groove and a handsome dude
He had a strut that nobody could touch
So this is the day for us to celebrate
Family was his heart from every start
Meaning it was his priority and had rated seniority
He loved his family, kids, grandkids, and it was not hidden
He attended every family function
Meaning he was with us no matter what
He was the fire that always ignited
Meaning he had a great impact on our family setting
His personality was his totality
Meaning he even had many extended families and friends that he adopted, on his helicopter
Meaning he was very close to all he know
Everybody in town knew when Ricky was around
Ricky could have been the Mayor, he knew people everywhere
Wherever he went time was spent
He was popular and that is for sure
He was an Icon in the city of Buffalo, and we all know
Another thing he loved was his motorcycle and cars, they were like his stars
Meaning he treated them like people and that was steeple
He was also a lottery man, he put the numbers in on command
Now I realize he is in a better place, out of the cancer race
Meaning he does not have to take or refuse any medication anymore
God has opened a better door
Finally we will always remember Family, Clothing, Automobiles,
and Motorcycles were Ricky signatures
Because that is what he endured
And always recollect his main quote, “What Up” to folks
I thank God for what he do, he will rescue you
He makes no mistakes when he takes
So I am not going to say Goodbye, but farewell
I know he is going to be with God and that is well
Ricky is my brother, and the words I am expressing are his cover
He had a great sense of humor, it was part of his demeanor
He could crack some jokes that would mess up some folks
He was sharp as a tack, when he walked by people would look back
He had a unique smile, stuck to him like His smile was dialing, and kept milese textile
Meaning it went a long way on any day
Meaning exposed to everyone he knows
He was well groomed and it bloomedHe loved his hats, and that is a fact
He dressed to impress
He wore them with everything, and it ringed
Everything he attached, matched
He was smooth as a groove and a handsome dude
He had a strut that nobody could touch
So this is the day for us to celebrate
Family was his heart from every start
Meaning it was his priority and had rated seniority
He loved his family, kids, grandkids, and it was not hidden
He attended every family function
Meaning he was with us no matter what
He was the fire that always ignited
Meaning he had a great impact on our family setting
His personality was his totality
Meaning he even had many extended families and friends that he adopted, on his helicopter
Meaning he was very close to all he know
Everybody in town knew when Ricky was around
Ricky could have been the Mayor, he knew people everywhere
Wherever he went time was spent
He was popular and that is for sure
He was an Icon in the city of Buffalo, and we all know
Another thing he loved was his motorcycle and cars, they were like his stars
Meaning he treated them like people and that was steeple
He was also a lottery man, he put the numbers in on command
Now I realize he is in a better place, out of the cancer race
Meaning he does not have to take or refuse any medication anymore
God has opened a better door
Finally we will always remember Family, Clothing, Automobiles,
and Motorcycles were Ricky signatures
Because that is what he endured
And always recollect his main quote, “What Up” to folks
I thank God for what he do, he will rescue you
He makes no mistakes when he takes
So I am not going to say Goodbye, but farewell
I know he is going to be with God and that is well
To My Childhood friend "Rick." I have known him for 55 years, he was the best hairdresser I knew, he has givin me perms (back n the day). We would hang out at 747 near Skateland. But most of all I will miss him coming down to ATLANTA to see his children every Thanksgiving, that was the time we would hangout and reminisce about our young adult happy times and past experiences from long ago. The last time I saw my friend was November 28, 2025 and hung out at his daughter Hunny birthday, we had such a good time. As my Friend "Rick" makes his final turn toward heaven, he will be with the Lord in Paradise. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hunter family. Miss you my homey "RiCK". – Rodney James