John Richard Hutchinson

John Richard Hutchinson, 76, entered the presence of Jesus on Saturday, July 28, 2018 after a long battle with heart failure.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 53 years, Sandra Bittle Hutchinson; three daughters, Kelley Kay Hutchinson, Jennifer Jean Hutchinson, and Sally Hutchinson Word; three grandsons, John Wyatt Word, Harrison B. Word, and Jackson D. Word; and son-in-law, Brian H. Word.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents, James G. Hutchinson, Sr. and Iva Belle Walker Hutchinson; and his brother, James G. Hutchinson, Jr, all of Knoxville, TN.

Richard graduated from Fulton High School, Knoxville, Tennessee in 1960 and from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1964.  He then entered the United States Air Force as a Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, serving in Great Falls, Montana and Fairbanks, Alaska. After serving our great nation, he was honorably discharged as Captain in 1968 and returned to Knoxville to pursue his Masters of Business Administration.  In 1969, Richard was hired by United Parcel Service to the Southeast Regional Real Estate office, retiring as Corporate Manager of UPS Properties after 31 years.

Before he died, he wanted everyone to know how grateful he was to have grown up in a Christian home where he was taught who Jesus is and that his greatest joy was teaching others. He particularly enjoyed teaching NACOR professional trainings, Young Marrieds’ Sunday School classes, marriage counseling to any in need, art lessons around the kitchen table and the game of golf to his grandsons.

Richard had a thirst for knowledge, applying wisdom to every circumstance and fervently pursued excellence in all that he did.

Although we are grateful he is no longer suffering, we will miss his wisdom, wit and warmth.

A Memorial Service will be held 4:00 PM Wednesday, August 1st, 2018 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 6467 Highway 441 South, Lakemont, Georgia. The family will be receiving guests in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

The Burial Service will be held 11:30 AM Monday, August 6th, 2018 at the East Tennessee State Veterans National Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ministries dear to Richard’s heart and life mission:

-Bible Training Center for Pastors - https://bibletraining.com/
-F.A.I.T.H. - http://faith-inc.org/en-us/

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