William Ray Hutson

William Ray Hutson, 91, of Salem, Missouri, entered eternal rest on May 24, 2025. He passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. William was born on January 16, 1934, in Greenly, Missouri, to loving parents Lola “Short” Hutson and Lee Wesley Hutson. The family came to settle in Boss, Missouri. Growing up in the Ozarks instilled in him a deep love for the land, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the simple joys of life. As a young man, William set out from his childhood home in search of new opportunities, eventually finding his way to California. There, he built a long and steady career as a skilled machinist with Bell & Howell in Pasadena, California. His dedication, integrity, and strong sense of responsibility earned him the respect of his colleagues and friends alike. In the late 1950s, William married and was blessed with two children, John and Jean Hutson of Altadena, California. Though he embraced his life and work on the West Coast, William’s heart always remained in Missouri, close to his roots and the countryside he loved so deeply. Upon his retirement from Bell & Howell, William fulfilled his lifelong dream of returning home. After marrying his second wife, Opal Hutson, the two made their way back to the familiar hills of Missouri, where they shared a quiet, contented life together. Their days were filled with simple pleasures — tending to their home, visiting with friends and family, and enjoying the peace of rural living. Later, William and Opal moved to Salem, Missouri, where William found continued purpose working with Kraft Foods, a position he faithfully held well until the age of 80. His remarkable work ethic and unwavering spirit were an inspiration to all who knew him. Following Opal’s passing, William returned to California to live with his children, where he spent his remaining years surrounded by family and cherished memories. William was an outdoorsman through and through. He found his greatest joy in nature — hunting, fishing, and spending long hours under the open sky. He was a storyteller at heart, often recalling tales of his early days on the farm, raising hogs, and the adventures of growing up in the country. His stories carried both humor and wisdom, and those who heard them will hold them dear for years to come. William will be laid to rest in his hometown at Boss Cemetery, beside his beloved family — his grandparents, John Wesley and Sarah Hutson; his parents, Lee Wesley and Lola “Short” Hutson. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Bertha (Hutson) Pyatt, Opal (Hutson) Floyd, Dolly (Hutson) Labruyere, Paul Hutson, and Cletus Hutson. He is survived by his loving children, Jean and John Hutson; Robin Hammond; and Tracy Snyder-Maldonado; along with his cherished niece, Doris Heacock. William’s legacy also lives on through his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were blessed by his kindness and generosity. William’s life was a testament to hard work, love of family, and faith in the value of simple living. He was proud of his heritage and never forgot where he came from. “You can take a boy from the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.” A Graveside Service honoring the life of William Ray Hutson will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, in the Boss Cemetery in Boss, Missouri. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well lived and a man deeply loved. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

William Ray Hutson

January 16, 1934 - May 24, 2025