William Hutchinson Obituary

Dear Phyllis and Girls,
I am a former old friend and Barber who worked with Billy about 8 years ago at Williams Barber Shop. I loved Billy like a big brother and my heart is still so broken over your loss. But, I know one thing for sure.......He loved YOU and those girls more than anything else in this world!!! He was so proud of all of you and Thankful to have you all in his life! Billy never had a harsh word for anyone, always offered a smile and a little joke even in the worst of times!! He was definately a special person who has done his best here on earth to help, love and protect others. He is now an Angel and will continue to watch over and protect you and his children!! My heart and soul goes out to you and your family and wish for nothing but comfort and closure for you. Love and Friendship Always, Melissa (Lil dolly).

YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

phyllis & girls- my heart goes out to you during this time. kmow you are in my thoughts and prayers as well as the other 8 families.

God Bless-

Dear Hutchinson Family, I will never forget Billy. I knew him from the barber shop. I did not even know he was a fireman. He was always smiling. I am sorry for your loss. He was a special man. May God rest his soul.

I knew Billy in high school and he was always nice,happy and had the best smile. My heart sank went I saw Billy's picture on the news. Randy my prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you.
Love, Pamela Popivchak Wright
( Middleton 1978)

Be prayerful and trust God. In Him, you will find love, peace, strength and encouragement.

To the family , loved ones and The
City of Charleston Fire Department,
my deepest heartfelt sympathy is
extended to all of you during this tragic and sad difficult time. May
God be with all of you and keep you in his care.
Love from a native Charlestonian.

God Bless you during this time.

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS HAVE BEEN WITH YOUR FAMILY THROUGH OUT THE WEEK.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO RANDY , BETSY,
BRIGHT,NICK,DOT,CHRISTY,CHASE,AUBREY AND HALEY.
WITH LOVE
RIC AND TERESA BOYTER

Randy, Betsy, and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories of him help carry you through this.

OUR FAMILY in is mourning with YOUR FAMILY. May God grant you peace and comfort in this difficult time.

I was saddened to hear hear about the loss of these wonderful nine fire fighters who gave their lives for others. A tradedy is especially heartbreaking when you find that you have lost a friend. Billy Hutchinson and I became friends way back in the late 1960s when his father Bill coached us on the Road Runners Football Team at the St. Andrews Parks and Playground. The entire Hutchinson family became dear friends with my family. Over the years, we continued to play ball together and attend what I feel was the greatest high school of all time, Middleton. Although we lost touch over the years, it wasn't until about three years ago that I felt led to organize and plan the first Middleton Razorback Football Team Reunion. Billy was one of the first to come to my mind. I was able to contact him by phone at the fire station. From the very first sound of his voice, I knew that he had not changed one bit over all of those years. Billy was very happy to hear from me and so willing to assist with the reunion in any way possible. I'd call Billy about every week or so during the planning stages and he expressed that he was so excited about the reunion and that he could not wait to see all of our old team mates and coaches. When that night in October rolled around at the Shadow Moss Club House, who was there to meet me and my family first...Billy! As my wife mentioned many times after the reunion, Billy had a beautiful smile and seemed to be a very happy person. Billy was so happy and proud to tell me about his family, his daughters, and his grandson. We were able to reminisce and talk about all of the days of old.

As I read the article about the fire from my office the morning of Wednesday, June 20, I wept. Not only had I lost a friend, but we all lost nine brothers that gave their lives for others. After reading the news, I realized how thankful and glad I was that I took the time three years ago to touch base with Billy. I have the videos, the pictures, and those lasting memories from our Razorback Football Team Reunion, and in those videos, pictures, and the memories is that smile. Thanks Billy for being a friend, and thanks Billy for your wonderful service that you provided to mankind over the years. God bless you my friend!

Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to all of these families. May God be with you all.

Brantley Kuglar, Jr.
Williston, S.C.
[email protected]

God Bless the family. Thank You Firefighter Hutchinson for protecting us. May you rest in peace.

I'm so sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers. Please have peace of mind knowing he is going to a better place.

There are no words that can fully express all that is felt during this time. However, I truly believe that the Capt would say that he and "the guys" were just doing what needed to be done and he knows that those left behind will keep on doing the same. May God be with you all during this time and every day in the future as you prepare for being with him again in the future.

Formerly of Johns Island and keeping you in our hearts.

Gone but NEVER forgotten.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic time. Your smiling face will be missed. We will miss you Billy.

To you a HERO and BROTHER!!!! To your family, firefighters, and friends our hearts are with you and may you be at peace knowing he is ok and died doing what he loved to do. There are never words that can make you feel better just good memories and support from others. You will all be in our prayers and we will never forget!!
Jessica and Jourdon Pope
MarMac VFD Goldsboro NC

My first thoughts were of your husband when news broke of the story. Then when the names were announced my heart hurt for you and the girls. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May God hold you and comfort you and the girls during this time and forever more. Much love, Lisa, Chuck, Ian and Avery Jones

Phyllis,
I was so sorry to hear about your husband.If I can do anything for you just let me know. He was a hero! I pray that God gives you and the girls the strength you need at this time and I know He will. I thought about you all day.
Anita Woodle(Lisa's sister)
Anthony Woodle
Kristina Woodle

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Christy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. I know that the days, weeks, months ahead will be difficult - just remember all the good times and he will always be with you. Your Dad and the other eight will never be forgotten. They are true heros, not just to you, but to all of us. You know that I love you.
Love to our "other" daughter.
Sharon and Harold

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Dear Mrs. Phyliss,Aubree, and Hayley,

You are in our hearts and prayers. The outpouring of support must have shown you what a special man your father was. We should all be thankful for his heroic bravery and selflessness.

I'm truly sorry for your loss.You and your family will be in my prays.

We were so sorry to hear about Billy. We fondly remember Billy & Randy playing with our children at St. Andrews play ground. And more recently Billy helped Donald get into Sandee home when she died. Grace Booth & I were fortunate to get a glimce of Dot when her escort didn't know where the prayer room was at Pincrest this afternoon. Grace says she was sorry she didn't get to visit - she will get in touch later
Our prayers are with you. Bill & Ann Iseman

MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

LAVETTA FLAGG & FAMILY

Mrs.Phyllis and Family, My Mother-in-law Reba Killion wants to send her condolence to you and your family. She also wanted to send her love to you and your family in this time of need. Mr.Billy will be missed very dearly.

To the Hutchinson Family & Friends:
God will give you the strength, comfort, peace and understanding during this sad and difficult time. Although you may have questions and do not understand some things, remember He will never leave you nor forsake you. He said in His Word, "Be Still and know that I am God...." He will cover you and and give you comfort at all times. Be encouraged and know that you all are continually in my prayers and thoughts,

To Phyllis and the girls. Words can't express how sorry we are. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Lauren and Brison

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Phyllis & Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Kathryn & Laurel Coons

You were a great hair cutter(and a great firefighter) and my dad, Matt Slagle, asked for you every time he went to Williams Barber Shop.May God be with you and have a wonderful, happy life in heaven.Everybody is thinking of you in their hearts.

To the family of William Hutchinson III,
I would like to express my deep sympathy for you. I know some of what you are going threw. My brother In-law was Officer Jeff Shelton of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police department who lost his life in April. God bless your family and friends. My prayers are with you.

To Billy's loving family,

I knew your loving Father,husband,son in high school. He was as you well know a genuine and happy go lucky person. He never was harsh or mean to others. I am sorry
to say that we lost contact over the years but my heart burst in sorrow when I heard his name announced on Tuesday. Please know the our Lord took a true angel.
With deepest sorry,
Kathi (Stavrinakis) Heissenbuttl

The Firefighters Prayer:

"When I'm called to duty God
wherever flames may rage
give me strength to save a life
whatever be its age

Help me to embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert
to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out

I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me
to guard my neighbor and
protect his property

And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife."

Christy,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold your head high, you are a strong woman and bring so much to every person that meets you.

We are truly sorry for your loss. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Dot & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I am very sorry that I was unable to be there with you but I want you to know that I am here if you need anything. Please let me know if there is anything that I can ever do for any of you. Love Always, Tammy

To the family and friends of Billie allow me to express me deepest sorrow for your loss. I have worked for SCE&G Gas Operations for over thirty years and have responded to many gas leaks. I have always felt a great comfort knowing the City of Charleston Fire Department was there to watch our backs. Over the years Billy was there on many of the calls and I would try my best to thank him for being there. I would like to thank you now for his service and tell you what an honor it was to know him and work with him. He will be missed and I will not forget him. God Bless all of you.

The Hutchinson Family;
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the loss of your loved one.
Respectfully;
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Stewart & Family

To the family & the Charleston Fire Dept.May God Bless & comfort you in your time of sorrow..Your loved one gave his life to save others.He is a true Hero & will never be forgotten..Carol-an EMT, Mom of a Firefighter/EMT, Mom in Law of a Firefighter/EMT

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

TO THE HUCHINSON FAMILY,
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THE TIME OF SORROW.

May God bless you and comfort you.

My prayers are with your family during this sad time. I went to high school with Billy and although I did not know him well, I will always remember his shy smile my first day in a new school. God bless you and your family in the coming weeks and months. We will never forget the sacrifice of these men and their families.

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Billy but I often heard my son, Larry and my grandson, Keith speak of him in a very fond way. You, his family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and be with you in this sad time.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

God Bless our Firefighters.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

May God Bless this family during these times.

Haley and Aubree you are in our thoughts and prays and so are you Ms. Phyllis. If there is anything i can to help please call me.

We did not know Billy personally, but we come from a family of firefighters. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. There are few words of comfort during a tragic loss as this. The natiion mourns with you and Billy's sacrifice will not go unnoticed. He is a true Hero and will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you.
With sincere sympathy,
Carolyn Watts & Family

To you the family of this wonderful brave HERO. Thank you for allowing us to have your loved one out there on our side. I did not know him, but I am learning a few things about him everyday since this happened, things that you have always known, he was loved by many and now will be forgotten by none. God bless all of you and may his soul be at rest.

To Phyllis and the Twins We are so sorry to hear about your husband and Father we did not know him. Hold on to all the good times you had together. We were just with you on Saturday at Mike and Suzy's house for Kim's birthday party.
Love Keith and Sandy Barrows

To the family of Captain William Hutchinson, III,
May the Lord be with you during your time of bereavement.

As I watched a tribute to the fire fighters via e-mail, a picture of a man appeared on my screen. Instantly I was taken back in time to the 70's and Middleton High School, and even before then.
I haven't seen Billy since then, or Randy in quite a while but...WE WILL REMEMBER...always.

May God Bless you all. You will all be in our thought and prayers. We will never forget the BRAVE NINE.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

To all of you , sorry for your loss What I told my son who got hair cuts bye him. He's in firestation heaven with your papa(James Hardison) looking down on us. we are praying for all.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMLIY. IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE THOUGHTLESSLY FOR ANOTHER. WHAT A GREAT MAN YOUR LOVED ONE WAS. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

There are no words to express my sadness at the loss of Billy, Mike Benke and the other men I was not lucky enough to have known. I prey all the families know the depth of the gratitude which is consuming the Charleston area residents, as well as others from around the US and the globe, for the heroic job these men did. With many prayers and much love....

We did not know this couragous and brave soul,but we have heard alot of wonderful things from people who did know him.What a great loss.I pray that the Lord will be with the family and friends in their time of sorrow and loss.God Bless!!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord sustain you in the coming days.

May God continue to bless each and everyone of you through this time.

God Bless!

L.Mack of Charleston

phyllis and girls,
i am so sorry to hear about your husband and father. my thoughts are with you all.
(suzy & mike's daughter)

We did not know Mr. Hutchinson but we want to express our deepest sympathy for his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Bluthardt's
Kim, Kyle & Krystina

I WENT TO MIDDLETON WITH BILLY AND GOT TO SEE HIM AGAIN OVER THIS PAST YEAR FREQUENTLY AT THE BANK I WORK AT.HE WAS SUCH A KIND, SWEET,DOWN TO EARTH GUY AND I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS AWESOME SMILE.MY PRAYERS GO OUT FOR ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS HE IS TRUELY A BRAVE HERO

Words cannot express one’s feelings at this time. Billy’s touched so many people and he will be remembered in our hearts and will always be with us. It seems like only yesterday we were just kids playing ball and having fun at St Andrews Playground. We will miss Billy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May God be with each and everyone of you.

There are few words of comfort in such a time of tragic loss. The nation mourns with you and Capt. Billy's sacrifice will not go unnoticed. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you.

My prayers and thought go to you and your family. I remember when I lived in Goose Creek how I would only let Billy cut my hair. I remember one thing is that no matter what he always had a smile on his face.He was a Good man.

Please accept my deepest sympathies. May God bless you.

May God Bless and keep you and your family through your time of bereavement. You are all in my Prayers. Your husband was very kind. Each time we see him he had the same smile so we know he was a kind gentle soul with a genuine spirit.

Please know that your husband and father was a hero to the people who didn't know him. god bless you in this time.

Phyllis, Haley and Aubrey - Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Hutchinson family

I didnt know the late Mr. Hutchinson but I was truth saddness to hear of the deaths of the firefighters. I just wanted you to know that my prayers go out to you and your family in your time of mourning. Hope my words of thoughtfulness will help you along the way.

our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Christy,
I am so sorry about your Dad and the enormous loss to our community. He was the bravest of the brave and he will never be forgotten. You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers. I love you little girl...

My heart goes out to your family as this tragic time has taken over our lives. I will miss all of the men that worked with my father, James. I will continue to pray for all of our families.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

My prayers go out to the family and freinds of William Hutchinson. May God bless and take you though this difficult time.

Dear Hutchinson Family,

Sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and keep you as you all go through this dark season. William your #1.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family in this time of sorrow. (Lt. Raynard Graham, Hunter Fire Dept., Savannah, GA)

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AS YOU MOURN THE HOMEGOING OF YOUR LOVE ONE. MAY YOU FEEL THE PEACE THAT ONLY GOD CAN GIVE THROUGH HIS SON 'JESUS CHRIST' THROUGHOUT THIS TIME OF SORROW.
( A native of Charleston,S.C.)

To Phylis and the Twins I new Captain Hutchinson when I was a little boy and he was an Engineer for my dad( Captain Phil Hawkins 111) at the City. I do have something to say about Billy he was a great guy and he use to cut my hair at Station 12 when I was a little boy. I am going to miss him very much but now he is with his Lord Jesus Christ. I am Jason Hawkins, I am Captain Phil son.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time. I knew Billy through my friend Jessica, who worked with him at the barber shop. There was never a day that went by that I didn't hear her and my brother talk about what a great guy that Billy was. I never had a chance to meet Billy but from this situation, I couldn't agree more. He was a great fireman and an angel sent from God. He was hear to protect our city and he did. He accomplished everything that he was here for. I will be praying for your family and just remember to let God heal your pain and if you hold your arms open to him he will do just that. We love you Billy and miss you.

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a hero along with the 8 others. Please know that many of us across the country are praying for you and your families. We faced tragedy here on 1 MAR when a tornado hit the high school and we lost 8 children. My heart aches for you. May God bless you and bring you peace.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless each of you. Thanks to each of the firefighters for everything they do for this area and all over.

Christy..
I am sooo sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that we are here for you and your family! I remember spending the night many of times at your dad's house when we were in high school and when the twins were just babies. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.PLEASE let me know if there is anything I can do.
Love you sooo much!

Love,
Stacy, Shane and Tanner Karpinen

Our prayers are with you and your family. Thank you MR. HUTCHINSON for your unselfish act of love and bravery. You will forever live in our hearts. God greatest gift - remembrance.

Our hearts are broken for your family. All of the board members of the Carolina Children's Charity wish you peace and comfort. Billy is a hero and will always be loved.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hutchinson Family. I went to high school with Billy and he was one of the nicest guys I have ever known and he always, always was smiling. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Cheryl (Smith) Jenkins
Kingsland, GA

there just is not enough words to express our sorrow for your loss. Please just add our prayers to the huge ring of love and prayers that are surrounding your family at this time. I went to school with Billy.

Christy, I am so sorry for your loss. My favortite memory of your Dad is with his ball cap propped on his head saying: "Come on let's go to Waffel House." I hope that memory puts a smile on your face just as it does mine. Let me know if you need anything.You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. You're my girl! I love you!