Raymond Clark Hutson

Raymond Clark Hutson Naples, FL

Raymond Clark Hutson died on August 1, 2014, at the Bentley Village Care Center, Naples, FL. Ray was born on June 25, 1920, in Pine Bluff, AR to Mabel Clark and Roy Hutson. Ray and his identical twin, Robert, were very good athletes, excelling in football, baseball, basketball, and swimming. Being identical, but with different athletic strengths, they would occasionally change jerseys during a game to confuse the other team. After winning the high school national championship in 1939, Ray and Robert followed their older brother, Don, to the University of Alabama, where Don was an All-American football player. In their freshman year they decided to join the military and became pilots in the Army Air Corps. During WW II, Ray ferried planes overseas and eventually flew supplies and gasoline over 'The Hump' from India into China. During his military career, he progressed from sergeant to captain and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Unfortunately, Robert was killed in action.

After the war, Ray returned to Green Bay to join his brother in the car business. It was in Green Bay that he met and married Emily Ann ('Sis') Cowles. They were married for more than 50 years before she died in 2000. He and Don partnered to start Don Hutson Chevrolet in La Crosse in 1953. The business was originally located on 3rd Street in a building currently occupied by Wettstein's. The business was renamed Ray Hutson Chevrolet after a few years and moved to 4th and Cass before finally moving into a new facility on Mormon Coulee Road in 1967.

Ray and Sis split their time in retirement between Naples, FL and Door County, WI. After Sis' death, Ray lived full time in Naples.

Ray is survived by his two sons, Mike (Tami) Hutson of Onalaska and Steve (Maggie) Hutson of Orlando, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren, Nick Hutson, Kate (Carrie) Hutson-Peterson, Jess (Nick) Polakowski, Bennett Hutson, Lily Hutson, and Greg Hutson. Finally, he was also blessed to have had two great-grandchildren, Claire Polakowski and Finnegan HutsonPeterson. In the later years of his life he enjoyed the company of a special friend, Kathie Beeken. He was also survived by two nieces who were very special to him, Julia Secor and Missy Saxton.

He was preceded in death by wife, Sis; two brothers, Don and Robert; and his parents.

After he was established in business, he continued to follow his passion for flying. He owned several planes over the years and continued to fly for business and pleasure into his 60s when his hearing began to fail.

Ray was an avid and competitive golfer and continued to play very well into his early 90s. He was proud of the fact that he shot his age or lower more than 125 times and had four holes-in-one. He shot his age for the last time when he was 92. He enjoyed the camaraderie of playing with his great group of friends and a cocktail or two after the round.

Most importantly, Ray was a true southern gentleman. He was always generous, considerate and concerned about the well being of everyone around him. He truly set a wonderful example for his entire family as to how life should be lived and how people should be treated. One of the greatest examples was his devotion to Sis during her last years and how he took care of her as her health failed.

Ray and Sis made a large group of close friends during their time in La Crosse. Some of their fondest memories were made during their annual 'House Party' in Door County, when their friends would make the trip to Egg Harbor for a weekend of fun.

A memorial service was held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse on August 9, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Salvation Army of La Crosse, the Children's Museum of La Crosse, or to the organization of your choice would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shikanyfuneralhome.com.

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