Thomas Hutchinson

Thomas Lewis Hutchinson, 84, a devoted family man, faithful servant, and community pillar, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in the arms of his beloved wife, Veronica Hutchinson, at their home in Decatur, Georgia. Born to Marian Hutchinson and Maxwell Lucas on June 24, 1940, in Harlem, New York City, Thomas was the second of Marian's two children. He was lovingly adopted by his stepfather, Edward Hutchinson, affectionately known as “Daddy Hutch,” who welcomed him as a cherished addition to his South Carolina family. From a young age, Thomas was active in sports. At just 10 years old, he and his neighbors formed a softball team called "The Outlaws," an experience he fondly recalled as instilling in him a deep sense of sportsmanship. His athletic pursuits continued through college, where he excelled in track, basketball, and tennis. Thomas also embraced the martial arts and later found camaraderie on his bowling team. Thomas lived a life rich in purpose, dedicating himself to serving others. In his 20s, he entered the civil service, where he met Casper Montague Corley, a mentor who encouraged Thomas to pursue further promotions and pass other civil service examinations. This guidance led Thomas to earn a degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and pursue a distinguished career as a Lieutenant with the New York Police Housing Department, a path he saw as his true calling. He believed that a greater presence of African American police officers serving the neighborhoods where they lived would more likely reduce crime as well as police brutality. Beyond his unwavering commitment to justice and community safety, Thomas was known for his deep appreciation for music. A true connoisseur of sound, his vast record collection was a testament to his love for music, a passion he shared generously. He never missed an opportunity for an impromptu a cappella performance, and developed a high tenor voice, known as first tenor, in various singing groups, like “The Teenagers,” who he performed with locally in Harlem, New York. In 1990, Thomas embarked on a new chapter, moving from New York to Decatur, Georgia, to a custom-built home with his wife, Veronica Hutchinson, and two young daughters, Jamila and Tanisha Hutchinson. He quickly became an integral part of his new community, dedicating his time to volunteering with the Churchill Downs Neighborhood Association and the Partnership for Community Action. Thomas was a proud member of the Men’s Fellowship Ministry at Bethel Family Christian Church and found great enjoyment in singing in the choir. Thomas was a beacon of strength and love for his family, a beloved father to six children: Thomas L. Hutchinson Il, Kenneth Hutchinson (predeceased), Keith Hutchinson, Jamila Hutchinson, Kimberly Lee, and Tanisha Hutchinson. Thomas leaves a lasting legacy through his five living children, seventeen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. He joins his siblings, Patricia Wiley, and James Ronald Johnson in Heaven, and is remembered by his siblings, Edith Boone, Maxine Porter, Deborah Lucas, Monica Johnson, Joyce Webster, Belinda Coston, and Nathan Lucas as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Thomas's legacy of faith, service, and love will forever be cherished by those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Tributes

Thomas Hutchinson

June 24, 1940 - May 29, 2025