Gregory Donald Hutchins
April 28, 1962 ~ July 6, 2024
Born in:
Leicester, North Carolina
Resided in:
Leicester, North Carolina
Gregory Donald Hutchins, 62, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 6, 2024, a year and a half after his ALS diagnosis.
Born April 28, 1962, in Asheville, Greg Hutchins was the middle child of the late Phyllis and Cecil Hutchins. Greg graduated from Clyde A. Erwin High School in 1980, and attended Wake Forest University where he earned his undergraduate degree in business. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 1987. Greg obtained his first job as an attorney at Roberts and Stevens Law Firm in 1987. The firm family was immensely important to him. He remained at the firm the duration of his career where he became partner, and then President 2013-2023. Greg knew from a young age that he wanted to study law and become an attorney to help others through his work. Little did he know the lives he would impact in the future. He enjoyed mentoring young lawyers and was known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and profound dedication to his clients.
Scouting was another strong passion of Greg’s. His trail in the program began as a young child in Cub Scouts and he advanced to earn the Eagle Scout Award. In the early 1980’s he joined the Summer Staff at Camp Daniel Boone. For five years he led the Scoutcraft and High Adventure program areas. His contributions during those years, and subsequent years, positioned the Camp for significant growth. He could be counted on for always showing up and putting in the work, solving problems, and leading by example. The Executive Board of the Daniel Boone Council asked for his service in the early 1990’s, continuing until 2024. For many years he served on the Council Camping Committee. In addition, he was the long-tenured Legal Counsel, followed by two years as Board Chair. After starting a family, he filled the role of Scoutmaster for Troop 3, at his home church of Trinity United Methodist in West Asheville. As Scoutmaster, he guided many Scouts to earn the Eagle Rank, including all three of his sons. He also led countless others through obtaining merit badges, weekend camping trips, and embracing the scouting way by learning perseverance and responsibility. Recognizing his leadership and impact on the Scouting community, the Daniel Boone Council awarded its highest honor, the Silver Beaver, to Greg in 1999. In 2024, the Greg Hutchins Eagle Spirit Award was created and will be awarded annually to an Eagle Scout, acknowledging their impact on scouting and the way they portray the Eagle spirit in all they do.
As a lifelong resident of Buncombe County Greg enhanced his community through serving on the board of the following organizations: Trinity United Methodist Church, Givens Estates Methodist Retirement Community, Buncombe County Land Conservation Advisory Board, Deltec Homes, and Daniel Boone Council Executive Board.
His most important role was that of a father and husband. As a proud father of five and loving husband of 36 years, Greg dedicated his life to serving and providing for his family with steadfast encouragement and support. When he wasn’t practicing law or watching an event for one of his children, he could be found on the family farm in Leicester, mending fence, baling hay, driving tractors, or caring for black angus cattle. As an avid outdoorsman he also spent many weekends hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing with friends and family in the mountains of western North Carolina, and in the Wind River and Glacier National Parks. While he was often known for being straight laced and serious he also spent a lot of time joking around with his kids and sisters and enjoyed letting loose on our annual beach vacation lovingly called the “Fripp trip.”
He is survived by the loves of his life including his caring wife, Nancy; his devoted children (and spouses): Nathan (Drew), Laura Elizabeth (Taylor), Jeff (Sam), Neal, and Emma Grace, as well as his grandchildren; Cole Warren, Callahan Gregory, and another on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Leslee Sprague (Peter), Andrea Hunnicutt, and several beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at a reception beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, in the fellowship hall of Trinity United Methodist Church at 587 Haywood Rd. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Hutchins Memorial which is constructing a new building or program infrastructure at Camp Daniel Boone in memory of Greg. Contributions can be made through the link: https://www.danielboonecouncil.org/Hutchins or by mail addressed to: Daniel Boone Council, Hutchins Memorial, 333 West Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801.
Services
Visitation: July 11, 2024 12:30 pm
Room: Fellowship Hall
Trinity United Methodist Church
587 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)253-5471
Funeral Service: July 11, 2024 2:00 pm
Room: Sanctuary
Trinity United Methodist Church
587 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)253-5471
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Not many of us can truly improve the world in a meaningful way. Greg is one who has, personally, professionally, and in the community at large. He led us by example, and his humor, his grace, and his dignity were a testimony to us all. So many little kindnesses, so many little nudges to be better, to do better – his was a quiet and strong leadership to be our best selves, to the benefit of us all. We are far richer for having known him and having learned from his influences. Thank you to Nancy and the entire family for sharing him with the legal and Scouting community; our prayers are with you for strength going forward, and for many happy memories to sustain you through the tough days.
Take flight, sweet soul…freed into eternity, now in the presence of our Lord God. You have been a good and faithful servant, family man, friend, and professional. Yours was a life very well lived, and your courageous grace in the face of ALS adversity has inspired us all!
I am so very sorry for your loss. My family has been neighbors and friends with Greg’s family for many years. I was very fond of Phyllis as we really enjoyed welcome table together. Greg really helped my family with our property partnership. He was a very great person.
I treasure the memories of our friendship during all those years. My condoleances to Nancy and the children. Also to Leslee, Pete and their children.
Reindeer
Greg definitely made an impact on so many lives and I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him over the years at Trinity and CDB working on common projects too many to name. He blessed us all being the person he was to everyone he met. My condolences to Nancy and the family whom we will hold in our prayers.
Truly a gem in this world. I count myself lucky to have spent a few years in his company. He was a major bright spot and positive energy in his family and community. Sending my love.
One of the Erwin Band of Brothers, truly kind and supportive of others. Greg’s legacy is his love and generous heart. Rest in peace and rise in glory.
I had the privilege of working with Greg on behalf of many clients over many years. He was great to work with, so knowledgeable, and very thoughtful and diligent. He will be missed. The family remains in my prayers.
Though I did not know Greg well, what comes to heart when I remember him from Taylor and Laura’s wedding is
his quiet humor and dedication to family and community.
He is missed.
Holding you all in deep care and love.
Greg’s life was well-lived and well-loved. I remember his intelligence, his wit, his impish grin and sense of humor, his support and enthusiasm for many things — scouting, his church, friends. Most especially, I remember a good man who absolutely adored his wife and family. He and Nancy were generous with their time, their finances and their support during my time serving on staff at Trinity United Methodist Church. He is gone much too soon and my heart hurts for all those left to live life without his presence in their lives. Nancy — My thoughts, my prayers and my love are with you. I know I join countless others offering thanks for the gift of Greg. Be kind and gentle with yourself this day and in the days to come.
Dear Hutchins family ,
So sorry to hear about the loss of Greg he was always so nice when I knew him from Acton. Will keep you in my prayers in the days to come.
Greg has made an big impact in our family as married to my friend through 42 years and welcoming our son to the family attending high school in Asheville
He will always be in our hearts
Gitte and Family
Greg was just such a nice person. Always a smile for everyone. Prayers to all of the family❤️❤️
Goodbye to a neighbor and friend. I enjoyed the visits with Greg down at the barn as he loved
working there. Rest in peace my friend.
I am saddened to learn of Greg’s passing. Even though we practiced in different areas of the law and didn’t interact that often, I always knew him to be an exceptional attorney and quality person. I believe we will all be asked one day, “what have you done with this life I have given you?” Greg certainly has much with which to respond. May God bless and comfort his family.
Though I haven’t seen Greg but a handful of times since high school it was like years had never passed between those times. He always asked about my husband, caught up on our families and was generally interested. I last saw him at an AHS footballl game and his role was that of a players father. You could just see the pride in his eyes. He was always friendly, outgoing, engaged and humble. He had always been that way even in high school. A true gentleman that always looked after Leslee and Andrea. Those three had such a bond. As an only child I was very envious and always thought if I had a brother I wished he would’ve been just like Greg. Nancy, may God be with you and your family during this transition of Greg’s passing. May He comfort you during the bad days and give you wonderful memories on the good days.
Leslee and Andrea, I know you both were so proud of your brother. You were so blessed to have him as a sibling, as was he to have the both of you. May God be with you both as you experience the loss of your beloved brother.
God bless all of the family, and may he give you all strength, grace and mercy.
Dearest Nancy and Family: Greg had several great loves during his lifetime: God, church, family, Boy Scouts, his profession…but at the close of his time on earth it is the effect of his love that remains – perhaps forever. He taught us how to love through his actions. His heart leaves behind the gift of love… exponentially. Prayers and blessings, remembering that Joy comes in the morning. Hallelujah.
Remembering Greg from our first meeting at Camp Daniel Boone around 1986 when he and Peter Sprague were the staff mainstays providing such a positive influence on so many young men. Fast forward to Greg’s leadership as Council President and his service as our legal counsel, I got to know him as an adult who was a husband, a father, and a highly respected attorney here in Buncombe County. He always shunned the spotlight and never sought praise or recognition for his contributions to the Scouting mission. His life was one lived by using his God-given gifts to help others and to enrich the lives of many people. Greg’s good works will be eternally etched in the memories of many of us who knew him through the Scouting movement. My heartfelt condolences go to Nancy and the family; and to Leslee, Peter, and their family during this difficult time.
Nancy and family, we are so sad to hear of Greg’s passing. While we didn’t get to see you all too much after our last kids graduated high school, the Head family has so many fond memories of him through all those Little League years at Weaver Park and baseball games at Asheville High. He was such a wonderful human being that touched so many lives in a positive way, and he lived his life in a way that we all should try to emulate. Sincere condolences from our family to yours. Well done good and faithful servant!!
I only knew Greg for about 10 years here in Asheville through Scouting. There are a few people you meet in your life that instantly you understand “this is a good person”! Greg was one of those few for me! He walked the path that was lined with compassion and integrity and always had a keen focus on whoever he was talking with. I enjoyed his mentorship and company. He will be sorely missed but greatly appreciated for all the ways that he made life better for so many people! RIP my brother! My sincere condolences to the family that will no doubt feel a big loss with his absence. My prayers are with you to celebrate his life for all the good he has done for us all!
My thoughts and prayers are with Greg’s family.
Our condolences to Greg’s family. What a life well lived! When Wade and I would see Greg on legal matters and ask about the family, his whole being would light up as he proudly updated us on Nancy and each child. You were clearly the heart of his big world.
Greg was a fine and honorable man. I am truly stunned and saddened by his passing. Rest in peace.
Nancy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He was such a kind and generous person. I can remember Nana always saying how much she liked him, and loved your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and if there’s anything at all I could do for you, please let me know!❤️
I met Greg in a professional capacity over 30 years ago, and, as with everyone else fortunate enough to encounter him, quickly realized this was a very extraordinary human being. Smart, funny, caring, creative and hard-working, Greg loved his wife Nancy, children and grandchildren, the law, friends and life, all with an infectious enthusiasm.
Greg was the best lawyer I ever encountered, one of the brightest people I’ve ever met, and certainly one of the kindest and most principled. I’m among the many who grieve the loss of this brave man.
To the Family,
My sincere condolences. Greg and I went to high school together and I have fond memories of him. He was always willing to help others if they were struggling to understand a concept. Since Mr. McClure erased Algebra & Calculus notes as fast as he wrote them, Greg was patient with me after class and kind to share his notes. He was always kind and yet he had a good sense of humor. He left positive memories or imprints on many fellow classmates.
May God bless you and may the Holy Spirit comfort you in your loss, and flood your minds with many wonderful memories of him. Cling to and find peace in the legacy of Greg that he has bound to have left in his children and grandchildren. May his family carry on, spreading kindness and light to the world.
Prayers,
Sheila Bivins
Alice and I extend our deepest sympathy to the family on the occasion of Greg’s untimely passing. I met Greg when we served on the Givens Board and have visited with him off and through the years. And Alice and I were his clients. Greg had a warm and inviting personality that drew us to him. As his clients, we had the greatest respect for his knowledge and confidence in his counsel. We are greatly saddened by his passing. We pray that the family will be comforted by their warm memories of this remarkable man.
Greg,
You will be missed by all of your Scouting Brothers in the Daniel Boone Council. You truly understood the 12 points of the Scout Law…….. As an Eagle Scout, we know that your family will forever be thankful for your life of examples…
May you be at peace until we meet again …
Greg,
You will be missed by all of your Scouting Brothers in the Daniel Boone Council. You truly understood the 12 points of the Scout Law…….. As an Eagle Scout, we know that your family will forever be thankful for your life of examples…
May you be at peace until we meet again …
Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear about Greg. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Greg was a good guy. May he rest in peace now and may God comfort him and his loved ones.
Dear Nancy and Family…my sincerest condolences on Greg’s passing. It is with mixed emotions…the sadness that he has passed, but the Joy to know where he is today. I have many wonderful memories of those days in North Asheville from Little League to camping/boy scout trips. Greg was always so patient..well..maybe a little excited at a few ump calls back in the day. He was so level-headed, gracious and a just good person to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Prayers and blessings, The Irby Family
I met Greg when he clerked for Redmond,Stevens,Loftin & Currie. I think it was summer of 1985. I was an associate and given the privilege of being Greg’s supervising attorney. I left the firm in spring 1986 to serve as an Administrative Law Judge so I never practiced law with Greg. However, we kept up with each other for several years and it was a privilege to know Greg. My sympathy to his family.
Tom West
Sorry I did not get to know this cousin. I knew Cecil, called “Tooney” when we were children, as well as Cecil’s parents, brother Gary, and sister Virginia. I, too, have had friends who suffered from ALS and completely sympathize with the suffering of all family and friends. Blessings to all.