Norman Edward Hunter, age 85, of Rising Sun passed away with his family at his bedside Saturday September 19th, 2026. He resided on his beautiful farm with his beloved wife Carol of 42 years.

Norman was born in Chester, Pennsylvania on March 29, 1941.   One of seven children of the late Margaret (Reeder) and Ernest Hunter. As a young man he worked alongside his family on the dairy farm learning early the value of hard work, family, and community.  Norman proudly served his country for six years in the National Guard. His passion for cars began in his 20’s when he started selling cars for McLeod’s Ford in Oxford eventually working for McCoy’s Motors in Rising Sun.

In the late 1960’s he moved his young family to Cecil County.  In 1975, he bought a stock yard and flea market, beginning what would become a beloved Cecil County legacy, Hunter’s Auction Service, affectionately known as “The Sale Barn”, which became a Monday night favorite destination for the community for 44 years.  Norman’s family joined him in the business over the years, each contributing in their own way to the family legacy.

Self-taught, he was a nationally-known auctioneer who loved to talk for a living.  He served as president of the Maryland Auctioneers Association and was named State Bid Calling Champion.  He also earned 16th place out of 100 in the National Auctioneers’ Contest.  He loved the auction business.  Norman was an avid collector included cars, coins, decoys and antiques over the years.

He was a dedicated member to the following organization; Rising Sun Lion’s Club, Rising Sun Chamber of Commerce, Cecil County Chamber, and he was a co-founder of the Rising Sun’s annual SunFest, which started as a vision in 1985 and has grown into a tradition leaving a lasting impact on our community and local businesses.

Norman is survived by his wife Carol Ann (Johnson).  His children and their spouses Suzette Donleavy (Michael), Ronda Fabian (Steve), Chris Hunter, Melissa Hunter-Rash (Jamie) and Angelica Tebin (Peter Jr). His brothers and sister, Raymond Hunter (Florence), Ernest Hunter (BJ), and Linda Marshall. He was Granddaddy to a host of grandchildren who adored him: Brandon Henderson, Jack and Hunter Donleavy, Mackenzie Fabian, Alisyn Crowe, Jarrett Hunter, Trenton and Brynleigh Tebin.  As well as great-grandchildren: Jase Crowe, Bryar Hunter, Trinity Barrett, Lily Henderson, Hunter Henderson, Myra Barrett.

Above all, Norman will be remembered for his faith in Jesus, his devotional love to his family, his presence in the community and his larger-than-life personality. His quick wit, booming voice, hearty laugh, storytelling and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed.

And now, after a lifetime of calling bids, bringing people together, and always having one more story to tell, Norman has reached his final call. There will be no more bids, no more “going once, going twice.” The gavel has fallen and the auction is closed. But the love, laughter, faith and memories Norman gave to those around him are treasures that will never be sold and never be forgotten. Rest easy, Norman. The auctioneer’s last bid has been made, “well done good and faithful servant”.

A viewing will be held at Pleasant View Baptist Church on Monday, September 28^th. To honor Norman’s timely fashion when auctioneering, the viewing will begin at 5:54 pm and go until 8:00 pm. A service will be at the church on, Tuesday, September 29^th at 11AM with a viewing beginning at 10AM. Burial will follow at Brookview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Tunnels to Towers 2361 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY 10306 or Rising Sun Lion’s Club Po Box 1134 Rising Sun, MD 21911.

The family of Norman wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Widener, the Rising Sun Community Emergency Medical Services, the caring angels of Amedisys who always made him smile and share a mischievous laugh:  Kayla, Lauren, Kim and Javin along with the care givers of Griswold Home Care especially Deborah Griffin who cared for “her guy”.