Brandon Oaks Retirement Community
Col. (Ret.) Maury Hundley, 97 years old, was born in the Tidewater region of Virginia and educated at Lynchburg College, Lexington Theological Seminary and the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Master’s degree in counseling.
He is believed to be the oldest living regular Army chaplain from World War II. In addition to that distinction, he has been recommended for the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his distinguished military career. To become a military chaplain, you must be ordained, a vacancy must exist, your church must approve and you must pass a physical. He met all conditions, entering the Army in 1943 as a first lieutenant.
After serving at a number of postings in the US, his unit, the 8th Infantry Division, was ordered to Europe and saw action 30 days after D-Day in July 1944. He didn’t carry a gun, but the white cross on his helmet drew enemy fire, and a German sniper missed him twice. He served in Europe, Japan and Korea. Upon his returning to America, he served all over the country, retiring from his 30-year Army career with the rank of Colonel.
Col. Hundley married his college sweetheart, Katheryn, and they had three daughters and a son. She passed away in 1967. Some years later he met Alma, a military widow, and the couple married and have enjoyed many years together.
Col. Hundley visits his wife who resides in the Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center in Roanoke. He spends every day, all day, with her there, evidence of the commitment and dedication that have marked his entire life.
Col. Maury Hundley is a resident in the Assisted Living section of Brandon Oaks Retirement Community in Roanoke where he has resided since June 2001.