William Earnest Hutchings Sr.

Beloved educator and community leader, William "Hut" "Coach" Hutchings, Sr. passed away on July 28, 2025, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston. The wake will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at K.L. Brown Memory Chapel in Golden Springs.
A private family graveside service will be held at Forestlawn Gardens with Reverend Alberta McCrory, Mayor of Hobson City, Alabama, officiating.
Born in Hobson City, Alabama, he was the son of the late Steve and Estella Hutchings. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 60 years, Birdie Hutchings; his sisters, Margaret Peters, Louise Riley, and Lorraine Hutchings; and brothers, James Hutchings, Steve Hutchings, Carl Hutchings and Alvin Hutchings.
Mr. Hutchings dedicated his life to education and was a pillar of leadership and inspiration in Calhoun County. He was assistant principal at Walter Wellborn High School for more than 14 years. He served for decades as principal of both Calhoun County Training School (CCTS) and C.E. Hanna Elementary School. Notably, he became the first graduate of CCTS to return as principal - a historic milestone for the institution that once served as the only high school for African-American students in rural Calhoun County prior to integration.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Hutchings championed the preservation of local educational heritage. He played a key role in fundraising efforts to restore the historic C.E. Hanna school building. In recognition of his lifelong service, the FEMA Building in Hobson City was renamed in his honor.
He is survived by his daughter, Jamillia Hutchings and her wife, Rhonnie; his sons, William F. Hutchings and his wife Denise and Patrick Hutchings; grandchildren, Brandon Hutchings and his wife, Kay and Brianna Hutchings; and several nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be sent to www.klbrownmemorychapel.com
K.L. Brown Memory Chapel
620 Golden Springs Road
Anniston, AL 36207
256-231-2334