Curtis R Hutchinson Jr

Curtis Ray Hutchinson Jr., 61, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by pictures of his beloved wife, Lisa Church Hutchinson, and family, on April 2nd, 2026. Curtis was born December 8th, 1964, in Ashland, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Curtis & Marie Hutchinson, and the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Lisa Church Hutchinson. He is survived by his father and mother in-law Don & Cynthia Church of Irmo, South Carolina, and sons, Jacob Hutchinson (Lindsey) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Joshua Hutchinson (Jordi) of Memphis, Tennessee, and the joys of his life, 5- year old grandson Duke Hutchinson and baby Powell Hutchinson (2 months), who affectionately called him “Pappy”, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and brother Ken Hutchinson (Amy) of Spartanburg, South Carolina and sister in-law Dana Carnaggio (Joey) of Irmo, South Carolina and adored nephews Justin Hutchinson (Erin) of Orlando, Florida and Gavin Carnaggio of Irmo, South Carolina.
Curtis graduated from Russell High School, where he made lifelong friends with whom he stayed in close contact to this day. He went on to earn an electronics degree from Ashland Vocational Technical in 1985 and continued his education at the University of South Carolina, where he obtained an associate’s degree with a focus in engineering. Curtis and Lisa moved to South Carolina in 1985 after Curtis found his first job in telecommunications. Curtis was known for his work ethic, problem solving abilities, and mentorship throughout his career. He went on to have a very successful 40-year career as a telecommunications engineer, during which many colleagues became friends who he maintained relationships with to this day via weekly lunches for wings and a light beer.
Curtis was one of the most kind, loving, and generous individuals you would ever meet. Above all else, he loved ‘his people’ and making them feel completely at home. If you had the privilege of visiting Curtis and Lisa at their home, you know that your stomach and your heart would never leave empty. He would always greet guests with a warm bear hug and a genuine smile that let you know he was happy to have you.
Curtis loved cooking, whether it was grilling steaks from Olde Timey Meat Market, his famous ‘Curtis Burgers’, or a family recipe, he made sure you could feel the love in every bite. One of his favorite meals to prepare for family and friends was a tall BLT made with fresh tomatoes from his garden and Duke’s mayo. After that first bite, you might hear him say, “That’s hard to beat,” and it truly was a sandwich you would dream about until the next summer.
He took great pride in his garden, Higher Ground Farm, where he grew fresh fruits and vegetables to share generously with all his loved ones. Thanks to his efforts, his family and friends rarely had to step foot in the produce section all season long, though his grandson Duke did try to eat him out of blueberries every season.
When he wasn’t tending to his garden, Curtis could be found in the woods or on the water. From his youth, he developed a deep love for hunting and nature, which translated to untold friendships and comradery on annual hunting trips. He also shared his love for the outdoors with his two boys who he taught to shoot, hunt, and fish. Whether they were on a boat or in a deer stand, the only thing consistently in danger was the bag of boiled peanuts they picked up on the way there.
Curtis cherished every moment with his family, no matter where they were, but one of his favorite places to gather was the beach. The trips were filled with family games, most likely bocci ball, days from sunup to sundown in the sand, and of course, delicious food: Each trip would include a 7-day full menu, with of course Beaufort stew. You could always find him in the center of the tent, listening to classic rock or Jimmy Buffet, with a cold beverage, handful of boiled peanuts, and a warm smile as he soaked in the fond memories in the making.
When his children were young, he could often be found on the ballfield—either crouched behind home plate or standing along the 50-yard line. He rarely missed a single game, even during the years he commuted back and forth to Charlotte three days a week. His unwavering presence was a quiet but powerful testament to what he valued most. He encouraged his children to work hard at their craft, always giving their very best, and led by example in everything he did.
Holidays were some of Curtis’ favorite times. Specifically, Thanksgiving, where family would be welcomed by great food and an open home. Majority of the time would be spent around a turkey frier, injecting ‘birds’ with his secret blend of Tony Chachere’s. One year reaching a pinnacle of 6 total turkeys.
Curtis was a proud father, husband, brother, but most of all, being “Pappy.” Nothing brought him more joy than his grandson Duke and granddaughter Powell. He loved having Duke to “Hunny and Pappy Camp” where the days were filled with helping in the garden or kitchen, fun tractor rides around the property, laughter filled game nights, and hours of Pappy pushing him on the swing. Family was the center of Curtis’s life, but his grandchildren were his whole world. Nothing will match the friendship that he had with his “Dukie Bear”.
Curtis’s warmth, generosity, and zest for life touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of calling him family, friend, or “Pappy.” Curtis will be laid to rest by his family on Friday May 1st at Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will welcome friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life reception on Saturday, May 2nd at 1:00pm at Wings & Ale, located at 125 Outlet Pointe Blvd, Suite C, Columbia, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memories, stories, and photographs of Curtis be sent to RememberingCurtisBird@gmail.com.
Curtis was the most amazing father, husband, brother, and Pappy; he will be missed beyond measure.