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Douglas Andrew Hutcheson, a long-time resident of Niceville, Florida, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, November 5, 2022. He was born on August 2, 1957, to the late Ashley "Pud" Hutcheson and Frances Joan Hutcheson in Pensacola, Florida.
Doug grew up in Niceville, Florida, off Bayshore Drive. He graduated from Niceville High School in 1975 and earned his Bachelor's Degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing from Florida State University in 1982. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Samford's Cumberland School of Law in 1985. His time in Tallahassee during undergrad produced a loyal Seminole fan who would dedicate all fall seasons to football and hunting.
He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather; his family was the center of his world. He would often tout how proud he was of his two children, Chad and Hannah. He never missed a game, ceremony, graduation, event or phone call. He never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen how much he loved his kids and how happy he was to recently become a grandpa.
Everyone who knew Doug knew what an avid fisherman he was. What started as a hobby with his father, "Pud" when he was a little boy turned into a passion that he loved and would become known for throughout the remainder of his life. At any given moment, you could find Doug on one of the many creeks and rivers across Okaloosa County in his boat fishing. Each time he went fishing, he would make sure to stay a little longer just to catch jackfish, his daughter Hannah's favorite. Doug was also a talented cook known for hosting fish fries for family, friends, and the community.
Doug loved his community and was a dedicated public servant. He previously served as an Okaloosa County Commissioner and practiced law for over 40 years serving the community he loved and called home. He was a brilliant attorney known for his zealous advocacy for his clients and whit in and out of the courtroom. He always wanted to help others. Everyone who knew Doug felt his big heart and giving nature. He was also known for his humor, jokes, and fun spirit.
His Christian faith was an essential part of his life. Doug had an unwavering faith in God, and his faith only grew stronger in his final years of life. He was a faithful man who loved the Lord, his family, and his church. He was anchored and guided by his strong relationship with Jesus Christ.
Despite the successes he experienced, he would tell you that his greatest success in life was his children. He dedicated his life to raising them, teaching them that quality of life was the most important focus, that you are as good as you treat others, and that integrity is an essential quality to a profound person. He lived by these principles and exemplified them in all that he did. To many he was Doug Hutcheson. To his kids, even to this day, he was daddy.
Doug is survived by his two children, Chad Hutcheson (Noel) and his daughter, Hannah Wilburn (Logan), along with his grandchildren Gwendolyn and Heidi; brothers Robert Hutcheson (Diane) and Phillip Hutcheson (Patricia); several cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless other loved ones. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ashley "Pud" Hutcheson and Frances Joan Hutcheson.
A visitation will be held at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home (2201 Partin Drive N, Niceville, FL 32578) in Niceville, Florida, on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will occur at Generations United (108 FL-85, Niceville, FL 32578) on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., followed by Interment at Heritage Gardens Cemetery.
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