David Lee Hunter was born on a small farm near Gradyville, Kentucky on December 1, 1944. He attended elementary school in Gradyville, Kentucky. David graduated from Adair County High School, Columbia, KY, in June 1963. Following graduation from high school, he attended Berea College, Berea, Kentucky from 1963-1968 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. In 1968 he accepted a research assistantship at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, and began study toward a Master's degree. He received this degree with a major in Animal Science in January 1969.

In May 1969, he entered the United States Army and served three years in the U.S. Army Intelligence Service with one year being spent in the Republic of South Vietnam. While in the military, he received the National Defense Merit Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Upon being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, he accepted a position as County Extension agent with the West Virginia Cooperative Extension Service in Lincoln County, West Virginia.

After working as county agent for five years, David began graduate work toward a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Tennessee in June 1977. He completed his Ph.D. Degree in December 1981. He was a professor in Agricultural Economics at the University of Tennessee for sixteen years. He is now a retired professor.

David is the author of various agricultural publications and two books of poetry and short stories entitled "Childhood Memories of Life on the Farm" and "Life as an American." As an author, humorist, poet, and lecturer, Dr. Hunter brings a message of education, inspiration, motivation, patriotism, and humor about his military experiences while serving in Vietnam and his many life experiences while growing up on the farm in rural Kentucky.

He has been a member of Delta Tau Alpha, Gamma Sigma Delta, and Phi Kappa Phi.

David is married to the former Carol Sue Fletcher. They have two children, Cameron and Jamie. He is an Elder in his church.