Lawrence Ward “Hutch” Hutcherson Sr.

Lawrence Ward “Hutch” Hutcherson Sr.

Lawrence Ward “Hutch” Hutcherson Sr., 73, of Palatka, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.

A native of Palatka, he was the son of Henry “Honeycat” Hutcherson Sr. and Lucy Victoria Fields Hutcherson, born on Wednesday, August 17, 1949. He was a 1966 graduate and Senior Class President of Central Academy High School. He attended and was a student athlete at St. Johns River Junior College of Palatka and subsequently transferred to Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he was amongst the first black students to integrate the institution.

In1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.  “Hutch” fulfilled his teaching internship in the Hendry County School District in LaBelle, FL. Upon returning to Palatka, he was an equipment operator in their coal yard at Seminole Electric.   

He formerly served as First Reader in the First Church of Christ Scientist in Palatka and later merged with the St. Augustine Church.  Lawrence was a Grants Administrator, and Community activist.  He truly loved helping the needy with nearly any kind of issue, especially housing and funding matters.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in eternal rest by two brothers, Edward Steven “Steve” Hutcherson and Conious “Tube” Hutcherson. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: beloved mother, Lucy Victoria Hutcherson; four sons, Orentheus Hutcherson, Maurice Hutcherson, Lawrence (Tamekia) Hutcherson Jr., and Immanuel Hutcherson; devoted daughter, Alicia Hutcherson; mother of his children, Rebecca Watkins; grandchildren, Lauren Hutcherson, Lawrence III; great-grandson, Sekani Ramir Hutcherson; brothers, Henry Hutcherson, Jr., Richard Hutcherson; sisters, Eleanor Johnson and Lucy Victoria Powell; 4 step-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation: 3-5 p.m., Friday, December 2 (today) and Homegoing Celebration will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 3, at “Flagg’s Chapel of Serenity.” The Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor,  Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment: Oak Hill West Cemetery. 

Online condolences: www.flaggserenitychapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel.