Carl Hunt has been selected the Reliance Bank Christmas Parade Grand Marshal and Emily Watson is the Honorary Grand Marshal.
Emily is a fifth-grader at Athens Bible School. She won the Reliance Bank theme contest for the parade. The chosen theme is “A Nostalgic Christmas,” which was chosen from entries submitted by Limestone County, Athens City, and Heritage Elementary schools.
Hunt loves Athens and Limestone County and has spent the last 26 years living and working in Athens with his wife, Lacey, and daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine.
“My three women are the inspiration and loves of my life,” said Hunt
Hunt’s parents, Grace and Bill Hunt, brother David Hunt, and sister Carole Foret will celebrate 41 years in Athens this Christmas. Carole’s twin sister, Claire, lived in Athens many years before moving to the Minneapolis, Minn., area.
“Athens and Limestone County is truly home,” said Hunt. “Dad bought 32 plots at Roselawn Cemetery a few years ago, so we’re planning to be here awhile.”
After graduating from The University of Alabama and marrying, Hunt joined his father in business at Limestone Health Facility. In 1989, Hunt and Alston Noah started The Pinnacle Group and sold the firm to CSC in 1997.
Hunt just recently left CSC to join Tim Wilbanks and Jim Medley at IT Logistics with offices on the square.
“Working downtown has been an absolute joy for the last 15 years,” he said.
In addition, Hunt has been active in the economic revitalization of downtown Athens and has a passion for the preservation and adaptive use of local historic buildings. Hunt is and has been active in several community organizations including Limestone County Parks & Recreation Board, Citizens for Economic Progress, Athens Rotary Club and First United Methodist Church.
“Athens and Limestone County has the opportunity to define who we are and what we want to be as our North Alabama region continues to grow and become home to the many people coming here to work and live,” said Hunt.
Cycling on a skinny-tire road bike has become a passion for Hunt as well. The “no dues” Limestone County Cycling Club has a membership of more than 40 local riders and the group rides the roads of Limestone County almost every week.
“The diversity in terrain from the hills and hollers of West Limestone to the flats along the Tennessee River make Limestone County a special and challenging place to ride,” he said. “We love riding from Athens to Elkmont, Veto, Ardmore, Belle Mina and Mooresville.”
The Hunts’ daughters attend The University of Alabama. As “empty nesters,” the couple enjoys Alabama football and regular visits with their daughters in Tuscaloosa.
“In serving as Parade Marshal for the 2009 Reliance Bank Christmas Parade, I just want to wish all of Limestone County and North Alabama a happy holiday season and most prosperous 2010,” said Hunt.
