Tom Hutson Ph. D.

Tom Hutson, Ph. D.

Hendersonville - Tom Hutson passed peacefully on November 29, 2018. Tom graduated from Maplewood High School in 1962, received his B.S. degree from Austin Peay, his M.S from MTSU and was conferred his Ph. D. from Vanderbilt University in 1977. He retired from Metro Nashville Public Schools in 1996 after being a school administrator for 30 years. He then became the Associate Director of the Master of Arts in Education at Cumberland University, a position he held for 9 years. For the past 9 years he has been the Pastor at Saundersville UMC in Hendersonville, TN.

Tom was known by all for his kindness, generosity, empathy, patience and humor. He was a life long learner and had passionate interest in all subjects, especially history. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and had extensive knowledge and love of the outdoors and natural world. Tom was a natural teacher with a way of imparting knowledge that made the learner understand even complex issues and leave them with a hunger to learn more. This served him well in his roles as a teacher, football coach and pastor. Tom traveled extensively, both in this country and abroad, and although he loved 'seeing the sights' and learning about different cultures what he always talked about the most and cherished were the people he met on his adventures.

What defined Tom most, however, was his relationship with Jesus Christ and working here on earth to introduce others to Christ. Although he had many roles in his life, his role as Pastor at Saundersville UMC was to him his most important. His love of people and Jesus was so evident in everything he did, and his role at Saundersville was a perfect fit.

Survived by wife, Cara Alexander; sons Tommy (Cathi), Mark (Gina), Blake (Christina); brother John (Jane); sister Frances Young (Bob); grandchildren Ashley Luna (Brody), Nicholas Oden (Heather), Adam Oden, Christy Werner (Wade), Loren Nixon (Josh), Whitney Hutson, Luke Hutson, Wesley Hutson; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces Catherine Hutson, Madelyn Hutson, Amy Young, Lee Anne Young.

Tom will be greatly missed by his family and congregation. He will remain a model and inspiration for our lives. His giving nature, love for all, interest in all of life, humor, compassion and devotion to Jesus will live on.

A Memorial Service will be held at Rehoboth United Methodist Church, Gallatin, TN. on Monday, December 10 at 1:00, with visitation starting at 12:00 and a reception immediately following. Tom had a very generous, giving spirit and donated to many worthy causes. He would request in lieu of flowers to please donate to the charity/church of your choice.