Willoughby Reid Hutchinson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Willoughby Reid Hutchinson, known to his family and friends as Rip. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 13, 2023 at the age of 83. He was born in Washington D.C. but grew up in Miami, where he enjoyed his childhood on the beaches and in the waters of South Florida. He was an avid boater and from a young age sailed in the Biscayne Bay and Florida Keys.

He moved to West Palm Beach as a young adult where he agreed to a blind date and met the woman who would change his life. He and Judy were married in 1965 and settled in West Palm Beach where they started their own family. He was a wonderful and loving father to his 2 daughters, teaching them life skills and setting an example of how a family should live. He always provided for his family, but also planned many trips to tour the natural and historical sites this country has to offer. These trips are cherished memories that they continue to talk and laugh about.

Soon after they were married Rip began a job that would become a career with Florida Power & Light. He was an apprentice, lineman, cable splicer and eventually a supervisor, also helping to create the original underground power grid for South Florida. He was a loyal Union man joining the IBEW Local 1191 where he served as Vice President. Rip was dedicated and diligent at everything he did, always saying, he loved his job. He was a role model to all who knew him.

After 35 years Rip retired and moved to Rutherfordton NC, where he and Judy built their dream cabin. They enjoyed their time in the mountains and being close to his Brother John, sister-in-law Kathy, Nephew Aaron and Niece Nancy. Their home was always open to family and friends and they loved exploring North Carolina with their guests. Rip was a man who could build or fix anything and was always busy with home projects. They did eventually move back to South Florida to be closer to their daughters and granddaughters and had many happy years back in South Florida.

Rip will be greatly missed but his presence is felt in the many things he built or projects he completed and he will always be with us. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Cornelia and his Brother, Frederick.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Judy, Brother, John (Kathy), sister in law Charlene, Daughters, Janice (Americo), Suzanne, Granddaughters, Kayla (Codey), Deanna, Great Granddaughter Reese and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held in Okeechobee FL at a later date.

In honor of Rip please make a donation to Trust Bridge.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com for the Hutchinson family.