BILLY J. HUTCHINSON
August 7, 1930 - November 4, 2017
MINFORD —Billy J. Hutchinson of Minford, aged 87, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 4, 2017. He was born on August 7, 1930 to Louis and Sarah Hutchinson. Billy was retired from the United States Air Force and the Minford School District. He was a member of t — he James Irwin Post 622, where he served as Chaplain until his death. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans Victory Chapter Post 123, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3638. He was also involved with the Southern Ohio War Memorial Foundation. He was a dedicated parishioner of Swauger Valley Freewill Baptist Church where he served as Treasurer for 30 years. His faith in his church and Jesus Christ were second to none. This showed in his everyday life and in everything he did.
Billy was known as "Uncle Bill" to generations of students. His personality was infectious and there are no words for his love for life. He always had a smile on his face and was the first to volunteer for any task asked of him by his community. He traveled the world with the Air Force and was never shy about sharing his many adventures. He loved music and was always humming a tune. He was handy in the kitchen and often bragged about the many dishes he made. He manned the bean pot at the Church Bean Dinner for many, many years and was the first to show up at the Legion Pancake Breakfast to make sure the coffee was fresh and hot.
Billy is survived by his children Lyle of Long Beach, California; Diana of Minford; Billie Jo (David) Sandlin of Cleveland, Tennessee, Lee (Don) Koronka of Pewaukee, Wisconsin; and Dawn (Scott) Joyce of Minford; Nick Flaig of Minford, Amy (Shane) Pennington of Minford. He is further survived by grandchildren Shelly Hutchinson, Jennifer (Mike Solis), Matthew (Susie) Sandlin, Jacob (Holly) Sandlin, Sarah (Steven) Spottswood, Elizabeth (Nick) Turner, Emily Joyce, Matthew Joyce, Marcus (Elizabeth) Branch, Jacob Branch, Isaac Bocook, Aaron Bocook, Abigail Pennington, Lindi Flaig; Great-grandchildren Mariah Hutchinson, Aaiyana Solis and Lyle Solis, Carlene Sandlin, Keegan Sandlin, Hailey Sandlin and Ella Sandlin. Also survived by his special little dog, Nellie Jo. Also survived by one brother Ralph (Lucille) Hutchinson, 2 sisters Peggy (Jack) Maddox, Linda (Bob) Green. Further survived by many loving nieces and nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by Sophie Apilado Hutchinson and Melinda Lauderback Hutchinson. Also preceded in death by his son Larry Dean, parents Louis and Sarah Hutchinson; brothers Charles, Norman, Richard and Jimmy.
Special thanks to Pastor Mike Simpson and the congregation of Swauger Valley Freewill Baptist Church and Brent Munn and the staff at SOMC Hospice. The family also wishes to thank the many friends and family members who were a constant presence in his home the last weeks of his life.
Funeral services will be conducted at Noon Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Swauger Valley Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will be at Bennett Cemetery in Minford. Friends may call at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Military graveside rites will be conducted by James Irwin Post No. 622 American Legion and William A. Baker Post No. 363. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the James Irwin Post 622 of Minford or Swauger Valley Freewill Baptist Church are appreciated.