OBITUARY

Wendell Matthew Hutchins passed away peacefully on November 23rd 2025 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta GA. He was 84 and is survived by his brother "Tom" Thomas Hutchins, and his children from his marriage to Linda Hutchins: Son Matt (Lee) Hutchins, daughter Bonnie (Garret) Vogel, stepson Joel (Faith) Shoemaker, ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters: "Gobie" Gloria Ann Wagner Johns and Patsey Ruth Hutchins; brothers: Robert "Gary" Hutchins and "Mike" Michael Anthony Hutchins.

Wendell was born August 24th 1941 at Crawford W. Long Hospital in Atlanta GA. He was one of six children born to Robert Clinton and Annie Mae Proctor Hutchins. A favorite childhood memory was going fishing with his dad. Raised in Decatur GA, he attended Glen Haven Baptist Church.

After graduating from Southwest DeKalb High School in 1959, Wendell honorably served as a Medical Corpsman in the Georgia Army National Guard Reserves and was stationed at Fort Benning through 1969. He worked at Stein Printing for 20 years after which he owned Hutchins Printing. Continuing as an entrepreneur he became a Real Estate Investor and managed multiple commercial and residential properties including opening a music store with his son Matt. Wendell was blessed to retire early and he enjoyed quiet country living.

Wendell always had a love for automobiles, especially Chevrolets. He built engines and drag raced often at the Yellow River Drag Strip. He even designed a new type of car engine and battery. Motorhomes became his pride-and-joy and his last UGA customized motorcoach was named "Road Dawg." As an avid UGA fan, he had season tickets for over 30 years including the Atlanta Falcons for a while. He loved tailgating at football games and made many longtime Bulldogs friends.  

BBQing was another favorite pastime for Wendell. For 30 years he hosted annual Hutchins' BBQs where family and friends enjoyed his delicious pulled-pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, and of course his always entertaining sense of humor.  

"Mr. Wendell" will always be lovingly remembered for his kindness, loyalty, selflessness, and joy.  As a believer in Christ, it is a comfort to know we will see him again.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to The Guardian Angel Fund:

The Guardian Angel Fund