Ray M. Hutcheson, 74

Mr. Ray M. Hutcheson, 74, of Adrian, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at his residence following an extended illness. Funeral service was held Monday, March 18, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating. Interment followed in Corinth Memorial Cemetery. The family received friends Sunday, March 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Lance Hutcheson, Mike Henry, Jamie Henry, Tal Henry, Mitchell Powell, Dion Hutcheson, Kevin Hutcheson, Jason Hutcheson, Matt Henry, Ches Flanders, Chance Flanders, Shannon Brantley, Wade Hutcheson, Dale Hutcheson and Stan Couey.

Mr. Hutcheson was born April 25, 1949, in Swainsboro, sixth of 10 children, to the late Buford Hutcheson and Melba Darley Hutcheson. He grew up on the family farm where he learned to drive the mule (four legged), tractor, and old pick-up truck. Ray helped work the farm with his brothers and sisters because he was always a hard worker. Being sort of the middle child, he helped look after his younger brother and sisters. Ray attended Adrian school and began working at a young age. He enjoyed childhood games, fishing, and swimming in the “Hoopee.” As a teenager, Ray was always getting into mischief with his older brothers. He was raised by simple parents on a simple farm and grew into a very loving and simple man. Ray married at a young age and raised a wonderful family. His greatest love was his children and grandchildren. Ray was blessed with a large family and loved spending time with them. He was a big Atlanta Braves fan and was looking forward to the upcoming season. Ray enjoyed planting his gardens and giving away most of it to family and friends. He made his living by working in the cabinetry business for most of his adult life. Ray worked for several different cabinet shops and was part owner of one at one time. He retired from American Door and Drawer because of health problems at the age of 72. Ray was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. Mr. Hutcheson is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby D. Hutcheson, O.C. Hutcheson and David Hutcheson.

Mr. Hutcheson is survived by his wife, Shelby Hutcheson of Adrian; sons, Tony (Stephanie) Hutcheson and Cheney Hutcheson (Morgan White), both of Swainsboro; daughter, Sherri (Mike) Chance of Millen; brother, Billy (Maudell) Hutcheson of Dublin; sisters, Betty Henry Hudson of Adrian, Sue (Herman) Strange of Metter, Shirley Hudson of Swainsboro, Jan Brantley of Dublin and Faye (Chesley) Flanders of Summertown; grandchildren, Lance Hutcheson, Elaina Rae Hutcheson, Mariska Hutcheson and Blaze (Breanna) Chance; great-grandchildren, Bennett Chance and Anna Blais Chance; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Faye Hutcheson, Phyllis Hutcheson and Linda Hutcheson; special people in Ray’s life, Marie Brown and Tiffany Lamar; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.