Bill Charles Hutto, Sr.

Billy Charles Hutto, Sr “Bill” entered his Heavenly home on November 14, 2022.  Bill was born April 16, 1934, in Geneva County, Alabama to Porter Lee and Adell Wood Hutto.  From birth, Bill was a farmer – working as a child on his parent’s land, as well as that of neighbors.  He grew up in a time where everyone worked hard and lived off the land, family came first, and neighbors took care of each other, and he continued that way of living throughout his life.

Bill was drafted into the Army at the age of 18 and was assigned to stand guard around the high security steel mills of Pittsburgh where weapons, such as the type A bombs used to support troops deployed in Korea, were being created and stored. It was during this assignment that he met Joan Lynne “Banie” Bretch.  After completing his service, Bill brought his Yankee girl home where his parents were living in Frostproof, Florida.  It was in Frostproof that they were married by the Justice of the Peace Mitchell and there that they built their family and enjoyed a marriage that lasted over 60 years, until Banie was called home to Heaven in November of 2020.   Immediately after the service, Bill served on the Frostproof Police Department for several years.  He later left law enforcement and bought his own service station in Frostproof, that he and Banie ran together.  He also became a commercial fisherman and contractor and farmed the land he loved at Arbuckle, the home he and Banie built in 1971.

Bill is survived by his sister, Ouida Hobbs of Frostproof; his sons “Billy Jr “Fuzz” and wife Linda; Jimmy Lee “Jimbo” and wife Michelle; and Cody and wife Jennifer of Frostproof.  Bill and Banie were also parent figures to Jarrod “ET” Hobbs, wife Emily. Bill is survived by grandchildren Mary, Fuzzy, Jimmy Lee, Kalani, Shelby, Mikala, Levi, Zoey, Eli, Wyatt, Tayler, Ayden, and Bailey.  Great grandchildren Chloe, Zach, Colt, Kohlbie, and Malaya.  In addition, Bill has a great great grandson Kason Clay on the way.   Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even great great great nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by the love of his life, Banie, and by his parents. He was also preceded by brothers Alfred, Cratus, Raymond, and Ralph Hutto and sister, Sue Fondren; by a grandson, Clay, and several nieces and nephews.  Bill will be remembered fondly for his incredible ability to tell stories that would have you rolling in laughter, as well as his amazing heart that was bigger than life.  His heart was only matched by his insane stubborn streak, but that hard-headed determination is what led to the amazing life he led and that he inspired in the family that love him so dearly.  A meaningful life isn’t being rich or being perfect.  It is about being real, being humble, being strong, being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others.  Bill Hutto’s life was meaningful beyond belief.

The family invites you to celebrate his amazing life with us on Sunday November 20 at 2 p.m. with a memorial service to be held at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof, followed by a celebration of life at the home of Fuzz and Linda Hutto on Blue Jordan Road.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Victory Ridge Academy of Lake Wales in his memory.  Bill loved his family – and he loved all children - and he very much appreciated the mission of this school that serves students with special needs, having seen the impact their services have had on his great great great niece, Everlee.