Robert Battle Hocutt

Robert Battle Hocutt, 81, of Atlanta, Georgia and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away on July 20, 2023. Robert was the beloved husband of the late Martha Hocutt; the loving father of Sarah and John; father-in-law to Gareth and Jennifer; Grandad to Ellie, Jasper, Harper, Hallie and Lila; and brother of Anne Hocutt.

Robert was born in Raleigh, North Carolina to John and Goldie Hocutt and graduated from Needham Broughton High School where he was a star shortstop. Robert attended Wake Forest University where he played baseball and spent a year studying in Germany. He continued on to Wake Forest Law School and, after graduation in 1967, went to work as a lawyer with the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department in Washington DC. He strongly believed in the mission of his work, working on the prosecutions arising out of the Orangeburg shootings and investigating the shootings at Kent State.

Robert and Martha met while they both were working for the Justice Department, and in August of 1968, they married in Martha’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Robert and Martha moved to Atlanta in the early 1970s and Robert went to work with the law firm of Nall & Miller. Robert worked for over 30 years at Nall & Miller, spending the remainder of his entire career there. He was one of the sharpest lawyers around and was widely respected within the legal community. He built lifetime friendships with his law partners and cherished his time there.

Martha and Robert raised their family in the wonderful Club Forest neighborhood where they made some of their closest friends. Robert became an avid fly-fisherman and fly tyer, even tying flies for

Trout Unlimited. Robert enjoyed fishing in North Georgia and especially loved taking fishing trips to Montana with his family and friends. The family also spent time at Lake Burton where they made some of their happiest memories. Martha and Robert retired to Hilton Head, South Carolina where they both put their time and energy into nature conservation, becoming involved in the Hilton Head Island Land Trust.

Those who knew Robert well found him to be a highly intelligent and principled man. He was a wonderful family man, loyal friend, excellent lawyer, athlete, and fisherman. He will be truly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at Trinity Anglican Church.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to Trout Unlimited or the Hilton Head Island Land Trust.