The former longtime mayor of Demorest, Malcolm Hunnicutt, passed away Thursday. He was 79 years old.
Hunnicutt was a U.S. Army veteran, former teacher and coach who served as mayor for 39 years. Under his leadership, Demorest designed and built new downtown streetscapes, reconstituted the downtown development authority and planning commission, annexed Habersham County Medical Center, renovated a city shop into the police station, and began construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. He also oversaw updates to the city’s code ordinances, the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Historic Highway 441, expanded the city’s water system and upgraded the city-owned cemetery.
Hunnicutt’s last year in office was marked by an investigation into missing water department funds. No one was ever indicted or charged in that case. He left office after losing his reelection bid in 2013.
In 2014, the Georgia Municipal Association awarded Hunnicutt its Lifetime Service Award. At the time, GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton said, “Mayor Hunnicutt demonstrated his love of his hometown through his many years of generous service to its citizens.”
As news of his death spread, people in the community shared their condolences online. Becky Fisher recalled having Hunnicutt as a teacher at Demorest Elementary School. She called him a “great coach.”
“I thought the world of Malcolm sure hate this,” wrote Shirley Andrews. And Beth Demore remembered him as “a good man.”
On behalf of the city, Demorest Mayor Rick Austin issued the following statement Thursday evening:
“This afternoon, we learned of the passing of former City of Demorest Mayor, Malcolm Hunnicutt. He dutifully served us for nearly four decades. His vision and foresight were unprecedented, building a water system that would not only serve our city but in many ways, our entire county. It is that vision and leadership that enables our city to deliver unmatched services to our residents today.
On behalf of the city, I express our heartfelt condolences to his family. Our prayers for peace and comfort are offered for both family and friends.”
Hunnicutt is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gwinn Wilbanks Hunnicutt, two sons, and six grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, September 26, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel in Baldwin. The family will receive friends from 12-2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
This article has been updated with additional information and comments
