Kermit Hutchins

Kermit Lee Hutchins, Sr., 95, of Bessemer City, passed peacefully into the hands of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 24, 2013. He was born on May 26, 1918 in Bessemer City to the late Charles Garfield and Lillie Mae Willis Hutchins.

Kermit graduated from Tryon High School and also from Evans Business College. He retired from Wix Corporation after 43 years of service. Kermit was a charter member of Sunnyside Baptist Church where he was Deacon for 49 years. He served on the Board of Trustees and was Chairman of the Deacon Board, and was Deacon Emeritus. Kermit also served as Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, on pulpit committee and was scout leader. He was a World War II Army Veteran, 4th Infantry Div., 8th Reg. Company C. Kermit received the Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Metal, 3 Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and European Theater of War. He loved to travel and toured all 50 states, 28 countries and 9 islands. Kermit played the guitar and sang in several blue-grass gospel bands over the years. In his youth he was a semi-pro baseball pitcher and continued his lifetime love of baseball being an ardent Atlanta Braves fan. He was loved by all who knew him and was one of the sweetest persons you would be blessed to know. His heart and home was always opened to anyone in need. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved father but we rejoice that he is now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Kermit is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kermit L. Jr. and Debbie Hutchins of Stanley; daughters and son-in-law, Gail and Alfred Croft, Jr. of Bessemer City, Vickie Sprinkle of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Kermit L. Hutchins, III of Cherryville, Jovi White of Gaffney, SC, Kevin Hutchins of Kings Mountain, Crystal Hutchins of Stanley, Charlie and Clinton Sprinkle of Winston Salem, Wesley Croft of Bessemer City, Jon Baucom of Gastonia, Jason Rochelle of Fort Campbell, KY; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Margie Cunningham Hutchins; daughter, Peggy Ann Hutchins Wise; son Christian Scott Hutchins; brothers, Spencer Hutchins, John Hutchins, James Hutchins, Quentin Hutchins; sisters; Mary Lingerfelt, Blanche Lanier, Kathleen Payne, Frankie Downey, Ruth Ledford.

His funeral services will be held Saturday at 12:00 noon at Sunnyside Baptist Church with Rev. David Mauldin and Rev. Roger Yarborough officiating.

Interment will follow at Sunnyside Baptist Church Cemetery with full military rites by Bessemer City American Legion Post 243 Honor Guard.

His family will receive friends Saturday, 11:00 am until noon at the church.
Pallbearers will be Kermit Hutchins III, Kevin Hutchins, Charlie and Clinton Sprinkle, Wesley Croft, Larry Wright
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.
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