Jeff Hunter, former Powell boys basketball coach, dies at 81

Jeff Hunter, who was the Powell boys basketball coach for 25 years, died on July 25. He was 81. 

A long-time resident of Powell, Hunter was born in 1939 in Pineville, Kentucky.

Hunter was the coach at Powell from 1968-93. His teams won seven district championships, two regional championships and appeared in the state tournament five times. In 1989, the Panthers advanced to the state semifinals.

Hunter compiled a 426-237 record at Powell. He was a two-time KIL Coach of the Year and district coach of the year four times.

After retiring from his full-time coaching duties, Hunter returned to Powell to coach the freshman team, where he helped the Panthers qualify for the state tournament several times. 

Due to his accomplishments and longevity, the Powell community knew Hunter as "Coach." In 2005, Powell's gymnasium was named "Jeff Hunter Gymnasium" in his honor. 

Hunter is survived by his sister, Barbara Luke, and a brother, David.

A celebration of life took place Saturday.