On June 5, 2025, surrounded by the people he loved most in this world, Bobby F. Hutchins, 78 of Vernon, Florida ran his last mile home. His journey through sickness, of almost two years, came to an end and now he is more alive than he has ever been.
Bobby was born on November 19, 1946 in Chipley, Florida to Jesse and Albenia Hutchins. He was the baby of the family, and his mother often referred to him as “the caboose.” He was a very intelligent man, with a wonderful sense of humor. You never had to guess how he felt or what he thought about anything because he would tell you. He was a man’s man, with a great work ethic. He started surveying right out of high school, eventually opening up his own company, and it was the tool he would use to provide a life for his family. He worked all the way until he was 75.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loving to be on the woods or in the water somewhere. In his latter years, fishing became the one he did the most. Whether it was bass fishing on the creek or river, floundering at St. Andrews, “noodling” at the lake, or fishing lake Eufaula with his Sunday School class best friends on their semi-annual fishing trip, he was up for the task. He instilled this love of outdoors in his children and grandchildren, and even if they didn’t love to do it themselves, they always had a great respect for it.
He loved to plant gardens, fruit trees, and any type of flower that his bride, Faye, wanted to put into the ground. He would read every piece of literature and do research to make sure that when the seed went in the ground it would produce a harvest. The harvest would not just be for him, but for his children and grandchildren, neighbors, church family, and community. One thing about it, no one was going to do without if he had it to give.
He loved having the people he loved around him. He loved to entertain, even if it was just to sit on the porch of the pool house and talk about whatever was happening in the world, or in your life, and no matter what the conversation wound up being about originally, it would always wind up being about Jesus and his family. He knew the greatest thing he ever did in his life was surrender it all to Jesus. The next best thing he had done in his life was his family.
He loved Faye and his daughters with a love that was larger than life. There was nothing off limits to them, and he would move heaven and earth to make sure they had what they needed and wanted. Eventually the kids grew up and grandchildren came, and that unexplainable love multiplied by at least a million. He was so incredible about making sure that his grandkids could be kids. He loved to help them enjoy nature, simple pleasures of life, and even assisted them in helping them learn how to test the limits. He wanted them to know they could do anything the set their mind to.
He would tell stories of how he had asked for a key to his church so that everyday on his way to work, he could stop at the altar and pray before the Lord to protect, keep and bless his children and grandchildren. We knew it was true, because when he prayed for us the whole atmosphere of the room shifted. The evidence that he had been with the Lord in private was on full display before our eyes, ears and spirit. We knew that when “Dada” prayed, heaven was listening.
He was a devoted member of Northside Assembly of God in Bonifay, Florida. He taught Sunday School, and served in any capacity that was needed. He loved the prayer room before church services and you could find him there interceding for his church family and whoever may come through the doors of the church that day. He loved his church family, his Sunday School class, and his pastors Ed and Maxine Bell. You all were more than people to him, you were his very dearest friends.
The Bible says that a good man will leave an inheritance for his children and his children’s children. We testify today that our Dada has done just that. He wasn’t the richest, or the most powerful. He wasn’t a king, but he was the son of the King. The inheritance that he has left to all of us is a legacy of faith, prayer, family, friendship, community, and a love for life and neighbor that none of us will ever be able to walk away from. Standing beside his bed, and being able to tell him that all of his family would see him in heaven and knowing it’s the truth, is the greatest testimony any man can have. He didn’t just lead us to material things, he prayed for us and led us to Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Jesse and Albenia Hutchins; sister: JoAnn Hethcox; brothers: J.C. Hutchins, Gene Hutchins; son in law: Robin Chesnut.
He is survived by his loving wife: Lillian Faye Hutchins of Vernon, FL; daughters: Sherrie Chesnut, Kimberly Boyett (Dennis); 3 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren.
Graveside service will be held 10 AM Monday, June 9, 2025 at Glenwood Cemetery in Chipley, Florida with Bro. Ed Bell officiating. Obert Funeral Home of Chipley, Florida directing.
