William Ralph Mutchie

William “Bill” R. Mutchie, age 64, of Palatka, Florida died early on February 1, 2025 in Orlando leaving a loving family and community to remember his legacy. Beloved husband of Diane E. Mutchie and devoted father of Heather and Luke (Stephanie) Mutchie, he is survived by his brother James “Jim” (Candy) Mutchie, and aunt Sandy Gordon.

The Palatka community knew him as a reliable business man, as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones; dedicated community member actively participating in Kiwanis, Elks, and Moose lodges; Scout Master of Troop 235, committed golfer; and requested karaoke legend. After 31 years in the community, he was a stranger to few, and loved by many. Half his life, he was devoted to Putnam County and his family.

The first half began only a little north, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on April 22, 1960 to Randy and Pat Mutchie, he grew up loving the outdoors. Bill and his brother spent warm days wade fishing in the St. Johns River. The boys sled down snowy South Carolina hills on cardboard boxes, and caused general mayhem as two brothers are known to do. He graduated from Wolfson High School and made his way to Tennessee.

Bill enjoyed his time at Tennessee Technological University singing and strumming a guitar, drinking beer, playing DnD, participating in good natured pranks, swimming and camping among the autumnal mountains before his graduation in 1984. He left with a B.S in Electrical Engineering, lifelong friendships, and cherished memories.

He returned to Jacksonville in 1985 looking for direction and finding love. He met his future wife of 37 years, then Diane E. Macdonald, at UNF. From the stories it was love at first sight, for her beauty and sharp wit. Shortly after their love began, he joined the Navy, and was sent to Pensacola to fulfill his dream of being an aviation pilot. However, the Navy believed he would be more valuable as a Civil Engineer in El Centro, CA. This tour, which caused an injury, changed the trajectory of Bill’s life by making him realize his true gift was in investments. By the grace of God, Bill was hours away from moving back to Tennessee with his wife and child on the way, when the Palatka Edward Jones office needed someone to step in, and the rest is history.

His God given virtue was self-evident in his honor, trustworthiness, generosity, and innate joy.

A man of many talents he sang in St. Monica’s church choir, played guitar and banjo, held a 2nd don black belt in Taekwondo, was an excellent marksman, grew fresh vegetables for his family’s table, grilled a great steak, reeled in Alaskan halibut and Bermuda wahoo, and brought laughter to every room. Over the years, Bill showed his family the world and its wonders, leaving in them an appreciation for travel, experiencing various cultures and histories.

Wednesday, February 12th 2025

Visitation: 5-7 PM, St. Monica Catholic Church Parish Enrichment Center, Palatka FL

Thursday, February 13th 2025

Funeral Mass: 11 AM, St. Monica Catholic Church, Palatka, FL

Cemetery Inurnment: 2:30 PM, San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery, St. Augustine, FL

In Memory of Bill ~ Karaoke featuring Buffalo Munn: 6-8 PM Leo’s Fine Sushi, Palatka, FL

Donations can be made to the Palatka Men’s Golf Association (PMGA) for the benefit of local junior golfers