James Carlton Hutchens, Sr.

James Carlton Hutchens, Sr., 90 years old, passed away peacefully at his home in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 5, 2018. His bride of nearly 71 years, childhood friend and lifelong sweetheart, Charlotte Ann Kidd Hutchens, held his hand and stood by his side until she lovingly delivered her one true love into the arms of his Savior. He was affectionately known by many names to the countless people who loved him. Among them were Curly, Little Painter, Bubby Man, Bubby, Bud, Papa, Hubby Bubby, Uncle Bud and the best husband and daddy in the entire world. He had a wry sense of humor which served him well, made us all smile, and lightened even his final moments with his family as they gathered around his bedside. He served in the United States Marine Corps, Paris Island, South Carolina, and was retired a painter at the Norfolk and Western East End shops with 44 years of service. He was a member of Three Oaks United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, James C. Hutchens, Jr. and his wife Sandra; Barry W. Hutchens and his wife Debra; and his daughters, Phyllis Gail Hutchens and Alice Hutchens Carpenter and her husband, Richard. His grandchildren are Colleen Hutchens Panko, Monique Lee Tinnell (Keith Tinnell), Sydney C. Carpenter (Steven Noë), Shane Hutchens, and Blake Hutchens (Michelle Weeks). His great grandchildren are Ellie Beth and Sadie Panko, Sasha and Gia Tinnell, and Keisha Weeks. Mr. Hutchens is also survived by his sisters, Mildred Newby and Ruby Shealor, and brother, Billy Hutchens. His parents, John I. and Annie Hunley Hutchens, brothers, Jack Hutchens and David Hutchens, and sisters, Virginia Shiplett and Edna Thomas preceded him in death.

Friends and family may call at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel on Wednesday March 7, 2018, during the hours of 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Debra R. Lucas officiating at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel. Rev. Debra will forever have a star in her crown for wrapping her arms around him in Christian love and fellowship and leading him to the foot of the cross. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Three Oaks United Methodist Church in Hardy, Virginia. The family would like to thank the staff of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Friendship South Rehabilitation, Wing 4, and Carilion Clinic Hospice for their kindness and compassion.