Eugene Garlington Hutchens – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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Dr. Eugene Garlington Hutchens, 89, of Huntsville, passed away on Tuesday March 12, in the company of two of his sons, Dr. Wayne Hutchens and Dr. Dale Hutchens.  He is survived by his sons, Dr. Dale Hutchens (Cindy), Dr. Wayne Hutchens (Kathy), and Dr. Wade Hutchens (Dana); grandchildren, Chris McGriff, Clint McGriff, Elizabeth Hutchens, Cassidy Havens, Brandon Havens, Courtney Hutchens, Abigail Hutchens and Dennis Hutchens; great-grandchildren, EJ Hutchens, Keller McGriff, Kaetlyn McGriff, Lily Hutchens and Sophia Ward; three brothers, James Hutchens and A. C. Hutchens and Wallace Hutchens; and three sisters, Emily Taylor, Ann Norsworthy and Betty Carroway  He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of over 50 years, Dr. Betty Frances Goode Hutchens; two brothers; and three sisters.

Dr. Hutchens was born in Birmingham, AL on November 26, 1929, to Wallace Luther Manley Hutchens and Reydonia Corry Hutchens and grew up in extreme poverty in Oakman, Alabama.  He graduated from Oakman High School at age 17 (1946), worked to help support his family, and then entered Howard College in 1948.  He earned degrees from Howard College (now Samford University), New Orleans Baptist Seminary, The University of Wisconsin at Eu Claire and Immanuel Bible College & Theological Seminary.  He completed other advanced graduate studies at The University of West Virginia (Wheeling), Bowling Green State University, University of Missouri (Columbia) and Nova University.

Dr. Hutchens was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1948 at Acipco Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL.  He subsequently pastored many churches, including North Brewton Baptist in Brewton, AL, First Baptist of Ashland, AL, Highlands Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL, First Baptist Church of Toney, AL, Elkton Road Baptist Church in Athens, AL, First Baptist Church of Anderson Alabama, First Southern Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals, AL, North Village Baptist of Florence, AL and Weeden Heights Baptist Church of Florence AL.  He served many more churches as Interim Pastor and was sought-after as a preacher for revivals and other special events.

Dr. Hutchens also taught Economics, Physical Geography and Cultural Geography at Northwest-Shoals Community College for 25 years, and theology and preaching classes at Immanuel Bible College & Theological Seminary

Dr. Hutchens was a life-long radio lover.  He earned his FCC Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s License while still a teenager, he worked his way through college at WBRC Radio in Birmingham, and ultimately owned his own radio broadcast company (Country Boy Communications) and radio station before retiring.  His other passions included his family, airplanes, vintage automobiles, college football, personal fitness (he walked two miles every day until a few days before his death), nutrition, reading and collecting books.  He was a long-time member of Alabama Baptist Historical Commission.  He was a humanitarian, and advocate for people less fortunate than himself.  He was a life-long learner.  He lived-out his strong moral Principles.

Visitation will be 10:00 CDT Saturday, March 16 at First Baptist Church, 600 Governor’s Drive in Huntsville.  The funeral will follow at noon.  Burial will be at 3:00 at First Baptist Church Cemetery in Gallant, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Immanuel Bible College & Theological Seminary, Peachtree City, GA; New Hope Children’s Clinic in New Hope, AL or to charity of your choosing.

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