William ‘Bill’ Ray Hutchins, 74 of Decatur, IL.

Bill was born in Monmouth, IL on June 28, 1949 to Raymond Ray Hutchins and Avis Amner (Lawhorn) Hutchins. Died on Sunday, March 24th at 6:15 in the morning at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL with his son Stephen by his side. Bill graduated from Roseville High School in 1967. On July 25, 1971 he married Saundra Griswold at the Roseville Methodist Church. Bill farmed in Warren County with his family until he attended Southern Illinois University graduating in 1985. He then worked in IT/computer field until his retirement.

Bill was a man of God and regularly attended Tabernacle Baptist Church and was a member of the choir. He enjoyed a wide variety of music and had a beautiful singing voice. He attended numerous concerts, many with his daughter Laura.

He loved to talk to everyone and never met a stranger. Bill made you feel that he was genuinely interested in what you had to say, no matter the subject.

He was curious about those around him and loved to learn. He often told his children you never stop learning and he never did. Upon retirement he began taking classes at Richland Community College, helped with people learning English as a second language as a speaking partner, and read regularly.

He is survived by his wife, Saundra (Griswold) Hutchins of Decatur; children Stephen (Amber) Hutchins of East Peoria, Laura Hutchins of Normal; grandchildren Brayden Hutchins of Decatur, Shelby Dyer of East Peoria. Also surviving are a brother John (Joyce) Hutchins of Avon and a sister Kathy Hutchins of Springfield; brother-in-law Mike (Amy) Griswold of Berwick, sister-in-laws Marna (Roger) Holt of Enola, PA and Melanie (Larry) Anderelli of Fountain Hills, AZ; and 12 nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Janet Hutchins, parents Raymond and Avis Hutchins, father-in-law and mother-in-law Clark and Dorothy Griswold and his best friend James Butler.

We would like to thank the kind and caring Staff at DMH and St. John’s Hospital who took great care of him.

Celebration of life will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur, TBD.

Graveside service will be held at Warren County Memorial Park in Monmouth, TBD.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to The Salvation Army in Decatur or Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Central Cremation Center in Forsyth, Illinois has been entrusted with arrangements. Please check back here for updates on service times.