William Chandler Hutchinson

Bill was born on Dec. 20, 1933 and passed away July 16, 2024 at the age of 90. He was born and raised in Smithville, Mississippi. After graduating from Itawamba Junior College, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and underwent training to become a navigator. Following commissioning and earning his wings, Bill was assigned to McDill AFB in Tampa, Florida. It was while stationed in Tampa, he met and married Patricia Lee Pilcher, a recently graduated registered nurse. During their 65 year marriage, Bill's Air Force career took his family from Florida to California, Alabama, and overseas to Spain and Germany. After completing the Air War College as both a student and faculty member, Bill retired in Montgomery, Alabama in 1975. During his career in the Air Force, he was able to complete his B.S degree at Florida Southern University and was subsequently stationed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he earned his MBA degree at the University of Alabama. Bill served in Vietnam in 1968 - 1969 where he was a member of the Spooky Squadron and flew over 220 combat missions. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, eleven Air Medals, and numerous other medals and awards. He was also honored to receive the Navy Commendation Medal with "V'" device (valor). As an Air Force Officer, he was very proud to have received this recognition from a sister service.

After retirement from the Air Force, Bill became a realtor and homebuilder in the Montgomery area. He worked with Don Sawyer Realty and also opened Company One Realty. Bill and his wife had a love of travel and adventure that never waned. They canoed the boundary waters, whitewater rafted several different rivers in the US, hiked the Grand Canyon, and took their family camping across France, Spain, and Italy. They traveled up the East Coast, across Canada, down the West Coast and across the Southern US, in a converted Chevy van during the summer of 1986. They criss-crossed the US in an RV in later years. During their adventures, Bill and Pat were able to maintain contact with friends they were stationed with during their military career.

Family was also of utmost importance to Bill. He and Pat exposed their children to as many countries and cultures as possible during their overseas assignments and travels. He supported the dreams and choices of his children while teaching them to expect the best from themselves and demonstrate acceptance and kindness to others.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Lee Hutchinson. He was also predeceased by his father Charles William Chandler Hutchinson, mother Ollie Mae Crouch Hutchinson, and sisters Charlie Mae Williams {Elton; and Annie Sue Faulkner (Bud). Bill is survived by his son James Bradley Hutchinson (Anita) and Kathryn Mae Hutchinson (Vee) and grandson John Chandler Hutchinson. In addition, he is survived by nephews and nieces that adored and admired their Uncle Bill.

The family would like to thank the administration and staff of Oak Grove Inn for their care and concern for Bill over the past 2 years. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to Fisher House Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, St. Jude, or a charity of your choice.