Michael Steven Hunter

Michael Steven Hunter was born on February 27, 1990, in Guadalajara, Mexico, and passed away at home on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina. He was a beloved son, brother and friend whose charisma and tenderness touched the lives of many.

Michael moved to Illinois with his family in 1991. They later lived in Nebraska, Georgia, Florida and finally Missouri, where he graduated from Smithville High School in 2009. As a young adult, he relocated to the Carolinas in 2012, where he moved between Charlotte and Spartanburg and began expanding his professional network. In 2021, he made his home among the picturesque mountains of western North Carolina in Asheville, which is where he blossomed.

Professionally, Michael was self-made. He was a skilled realtor with EXP Realty. Prior to this role, Michael managed several QuikTrip convenience stores for many years, earning the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and customers.

Adventure and beauty were pillars of Michael’s life. He enjoyed varied interests, with endurance motorsport racing being a passion that he pursued across the Southeast. His bold spirit and love for the outdoors were evident in his enjoyment of sand volleyball, swimming holes, mountain biking, hiking, camping and driving his car through the Blue Ridge Mountains. He extended hospitality to many and was especially known for the huge Friendsgiving he hosted each year and for serving his family an exquisitely handcrafted breakfast of avocado stuffed with egg and wrapped in bacon.

Michael’s friends remember him as a passionate person and loving friend who was always thinking of others. He accepted everyone as they were and welcomed people into authentic, meaningful conversations. He was also known for sending thoughtful, handwritten letters to the people he loved. These are a treasure to the people he leaves behind. He also gave the best, most hilarious gifts. He was the magnet that pulled everyone together, and he introduced many people to their lifelong friends. After Hurricane Helene, Michael spent countless hours volunteering to help the Asheville community, friends and strangers alike.

Michael is survived by his parents, William “Willie” Michael Hunter and Kathleen Fae (Ranfeld) Hunter, as well as his siblings: Kimberly Hunter, Jonathan Hunter, and Rachel (Hunter) Gotchey and her husband Seth. He also leaves behind his cherished niece, Leah Gotchey, along with many extended family members and friends who will fondly remember his loud laughter, charming smile, big bear hugs and generous spirit.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Michael’s friends and family will have two opportunities to gather and remember him in Asheville, NC. At 10 AM, a funeral service will be held at Anders-Rice Funeral Home, located at 1428 Patton Avenue. Then at 1 PM, Michael’s friends will host a Celebration of Life inside Highland Brewing’s Barrel Room, located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200. All are welcome to attend both events.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Michael’s volunteerism and beloved pitbull Kaiser, donations may be made to Asheville’s Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. At a later date, Michael’s ashes will be spread or buried according to his wishes, in two of the places on Earth he loved the most: near Lake Fontana and near a waterfall on Highway 151. Michael will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him as someone who wove joy and connection into their lives.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Michael's family.