W. Devere Hutchinson

Wanson Devere Hutchinson, 73, went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2024. He was born in Richlands, Virginia, to Dallas and Ellen Hutchinson. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Sharon Lee McCoy Hutchinson; proud son, Jason Hutchinson; admiring daughter, Sara Kate Tallman; and adoring grandson, Noah Tallman, who was his “best buddy.” Also left to cherish his memory is his dearest friend and honorary brother, Danny Davis. 

Devere was a man of integrity, decency, and grit. His faithful heart was always with his family, and he treated everyone he met as important. He might’ve forgotten a name, but never a face. His smile was genuine; his laughter was memorable; and his blue eyes sparkled when he spoke about the people for whom he cared. He had polished handwriting and a gentle spirit just like his father, and an outgoing personality with a strong will just like his mother. 

A 1970 graduate of Grundy Senior High School, Devere represented the Golden Wave as a percussionist in the band. He created excitement in the stands as he played. He continued this dedication to music by serving as an active band parent for both his children as they participated in the John S. Battle High School Band. He influenced the lives of many young people as a father-figure in this role. 

He was a man’s man and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and any opportunity to be outside. He never met a dog that didn’t feel comfortable around him. Devere loved helping everyone, especially his wife, children, and grandson. He spent countless hours playing with Noah. Because of him, Noah learned to whistle, fish, play cards, design extensive toy car tracks, use tools to build projects, and much more. His influence on Noah’s character is irreplaceable and the joy they brought one another was immeasurable.

He had a strong mind that could problem-solve in just about any area. He could fix anything. His creations ranged from a homemade stick horse gift to a hands-free hand sanitizer dispenser for his daughter’s classroom, to a contraption for running fresh water off the mountain for his family during the 1977 flood in Buchanan County, Virginia. He was a master at understanding the workings of automobiles.

As a Christian, his relationship with God was genuine, and he held tight to his convictions and faith. He attended Euclid Avenue Baptist Church.

Devere worked for General Telephone and Electronics in Grundy as a telephone installer, repairman, and facility man and wire chief. In Bristol, he applied his talents to positions as a well-respected automotive service department manager, customer relations manager, and warranty clerk. He set a standard of never promising more than you can deliver, and making sure that the work was done right, and finished on time. 

 He was honored to serve his community as a member of the Washington County Service Authority Board of Commissioners. He was diligent in researching and promoting needed projects for the county and advocating for employees and customers alike. 

In lieu of flowers, please remember Devere by honoring his memory with an act of kindness.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with Dr. Allen Roberts officiating. The burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be Danny Davis, Larry Hall, Danny Hutchinson, Jason Hutchinson, Ron Hurley, and Paul Moore, Sr. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Washington County Service Authority Board of Commissioners, staff and employees of the Service Authority, and Noah Tallman.

The family of Wanson Devere Hutchinson is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service - Forest Hills Chapel, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.