William Rufus Hocutt

A member of the Rocky Mount High School Class of 1945, Bill graduated early to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Wisconsin at the conclusion of the WWII. After completing his service, Bill attended UNC-Chapel Hill. While in college, Bill joined Sigma Nu and studied Chemistry, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951. He landed a position with the textile company Chemstrand Monsanto. In 1956, he married Barbara Rowland, also of Rocky Mount. The couple relocated several times with stops in Decatur, Alabama, Raleigh, and then Gulf Breeze, Florida, where they raised three children. While in Florida, Bill retired from Monsanto and started a new career in insurance sales by taking a position with Jefferson Standard. After the youngest of their children left for college, Bill and Barbara moved back to Raleigh. Bill later returned to his Chemistry roots when he joined the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He was known for his humor, practical jokes and storytelling. Bill delighted his grandchildren with his telling of the “Wide Mouth Frog” story and many others. He also enjoyed constructing many unique home improvement devices and toys for his children.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Rowland Hocutt; son, Reuben Thomas Hocutt and wife, Debra, of Zebulon; daughters, Dr. Amy Hocutt Traylor, of Fairfax, VA and Laura Hocutt Fox and husband, Craig, of Chapel Hill; sister, Mary Lucille Hocutt Coghill, of Annapolis, MD; grandchildren, Amanda Hocutt Warner and husband Wright, Reuben Thomas Hocutt, Jr., Adam Fox, and Derek Fox; great granddaughter, Layla Warner; and nieces Karen Wells and Julie Kreger, and nephew Neil Coghill.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 1PM at Pineview Cemetery, 761 N. Raleigh Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27801. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6-8PM at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27612.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared at www.MitchellatRMP.com