Billy Hunter Tribute
This obituary of Billy Hunter was taken from the website of the RG Carter Group and was written by Robert Carter, President of Drayton CC.
"It is with great sadness that this issue of the Carter Mirror records the recent death of RG Carter Group Holdings Board director Billy Hunter.
A funeral service was held in a packed St Margarets Church, Drayton on February 20 for Billy, who died suddenly in hospital on February 11 (2001).
Billy was born in 1921 and after spending his early years in Ringland, near Norwich, he moved to Drayton. He attended the local primary school and subsequently won a scholarship to the City of Norwich School.
He joined RG Carter Limited in 1938 and it was there he was to work a lifetime. He progressed rapidly through the company, initially in the wages office, moving on to be responsible for plant and transport, and then into contracts management with a particular emphasis on civil engineering.
He was appointed a director of RG Carter Limited in 1966 and a Group Holdings Board director in June 1992.
Billy was responsible for the erection of the first tower crane to be seen in Norwich, at Lawrence & Scott's new offices. At one time in the Sixties he had 16 tower cranes under his control which could be seen across the Norwich skyline.
In 1982 he was the director in charge of the construction of Wayland Prison, the largest project undertaken by the Group at the time.
Billy's contribution to the firm was enormous - his drive and enthusiasm inspired so many who worked for him. He set high standards and earned loyalty and respect from all who knew him by the example he set.
Billy never forgot the value of a pound. He hated waste, either of time or materials, and always strove to save money.
His common sense, determination and wise counsel proved to be valuable assets. His continuous employment with RG Carter Limited lasted an incredible 64 years.
Billy also made a huge contribution to the village of Drayton, living there for nearly 60 years. He was chairman of the Drayton District Branch of the Royal British Legion, he was a parish councillor for over 20 years, and chairman of Drayton Drewray Committee.
On the sporting front, Billy captained the village football team and played cricket for Drayton for over 40 years.
Initially, he was secretary when the club was formed in 1947, and was later appointed chairman. He was responsible for raising all the money to build the pavillion which opened in 1960.
He gained respect all over Norfolk, not only as a good bat and fast bowler, but also for his toughness and fair play. In addition, he was instrumental in developing the Bob Carter Cup cricket competitions.
Billy was a keen bowler and founder member of the RG Carter Bowls Club, which was formed in 1968. He was elected chairman and held the post for over 32 years.
He was a regular member of the Norfolk Bowling Club and toured annually with the Norfolk President's team.
Billy was devoted to his wife, Eileen. They were married for 58 years.
He was also extremely proud of his family. He was devastated by the tragic loss of his younger son, Barry, 10 years ago.
His elder son, Tony, has followed in his footsteps and is a director of RG Carter Limited, and his grandson, Dale, is a qualified electrician working for Eyre Electrical.
Billy never really retired. He came into the office every day, even on the morning of his final visit to hospital. In recent years, in addition to sitting on the Group Holdings board, he took on the job of managing the woods at Letheringsett.
Billy worked extremely closely with my grandfather and father and, on a personal note, when my father died nearly 30 years ago, it was Billy who filled the void, giving me support and benefit of his wise counsel.
I am truly indebted to him."
Robert Carter