Tech Sgt. Loy McKinley "Buddy" Hutchins, age 79, of Lavonia, died Friday, December 7, 2007 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born June 3, 1928, in Dysartville, NC he was the son of the late Pritchard McKinley and Eletha Belle Biggerstaff Hutchins. He served in the US Navy and the US Air Force from which he retired after more than 30 years, with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Tech Sgt. Hutchins served as Flight Chief for the 72nd Security Police Squadron among the medals he received were WWII Victory Medal, Philippines Independence Medal, China Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.He was a member of the Lavonia Church of God and was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law: Barry & Hollie Hutchins of Powder Springs and Donaloy & Jenny Hutchins of Marietta; daughters and sons-in-law: Letha & Jack Campbell of Kennesaw, Rhonda & Dennis Harris of Canton, and Nita & Paul Parker of Kennesaw; grandchildren: Michael & Christin Hutchins, Heather Hutchins, Brandon & Nancy Hutchins, Lindsey Hutchins, Chris Kattner, Adrienne Kattner, Stephanie & Wayne Fuller, and Kristina Parker; and great-grandchildren: Emma, David, & Rhett Hutchins, Tori Hutchins, and Tagan Fuller; sister Ruth Ross of Candler, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty Jean (Stanley) Hutchins and 3 sisters Mary Evelyn McKnight, Mae Belle Freeman, and Gracie Irene Belcher
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 11 at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. Tyrone Hutchinson officiating. Burial will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens – North. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lavonia Church of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 110 – Lavonia, GA 30553.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour.