Mr. Floyd Jackson Hutchins

On November 20, 2014, the world lost a kind and gracious man who touched the lives of many throughout his 97 years. Mr. Floyd Jackson "Jack" Hutchins passed away at Northern Hospital in the Skilled Care Unit. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Iris Hutchins of High Point, granddaughter Ashley Hutchins Pitts and her husband Rodney Pitts of High Point, granddaughter Victoria Hutchins of High Point, sisters Hilda Harbin of Mt. Airy and Bes Jessup of Powhatan, VA, and his companion and friend, Ila Chilton of Mt. Airy. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lela Marie Badgett Hutchins, father Floyd Grant, and mother Lillian Park. Mr. Hutchins was a hardworking man and spent most of his childhood working on a farm, feeding the animals cutting wood, and plowing the fields in White Plains. After graduating from high school, he attended an Automotive Training School in Detroit, Michigan where he learned about automobile motors and building cars. He worked in the automotive industry for a while after finishing his training, and then went on to work at the National Furniture Factory. He worked on the tobacco market with his father until 1939, and moved on to work at Central Telephone Company. In 1939, Mr. Hutchins married Lela Marie Badgett and in 1952, their son and pride and joy Thomas Kent Hutchins was brought into their lives. Mr. Hutchins worked at Western Electric (AT&T) for 34 years in various different positions of management and retired in 1980 at the age of 62. After retiring, Mr. Hutchins spent a lot of time gardening and raising cattle. He loved his black angus cows and treated them like pets. Green beans were his specialty and he expertly strung and canned them to eat and share. He also loved homegrown tomatoes, and had a reputation for eating some at most every meal (whether it went with the meal or not). He also spent many years volunteering at Northern Hospital of Surry County and was an active member of White Plains Friends Meeting in which his family helped found in 1899. Mr. Hutchins never met a stranger, and could make anyone smile and laugh. He could out-fish just about anyone and knew an infinite amount about woodworking and construction. He was beloved by his granddaughters who enjoyed spending time with him (which often included playing with his hair and wearing his infamous flat cap). Mr. Hutchins was incredibly generous and thoughtful, and never missed a birthday before he was hospitalized in 2011. He kept close tabs on his granddogs and great-granddogs, always making sure they were doing okay. Mr. Hutchins lived a strong and courageous life and he will be sorely missed. The family would like to send a special word of thanks to Northern Hospital of Surry County Skilled Care Unit who provided excellent care for Mr. Hutchins over the past 3 years, as well as Mountain Valley Hospice who helped to ease his pain during his final days on earth. The funeral will be held at White Plains Friends Meeting in Mt. Airy on November 24 at 2 pm with the Rev. Jake Penley officiating. The burial will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 pm at White Plains Friends Meeting. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to White Plains Friends Meeting.