Phillip Hutcheson

On June 15, 2023, Phillip Tinsley Hutcheson 74, of Knoxville Tn made a peaceful exit, surrounded by the ones he loved and the ones who loved him. Phil was born in Ft Smith, Arkansas on May 20, 1949. He graduated from University of Tn School of Dentistry in March 1975. He began practicing dentistry in Knoxville until his retirement in 2017.

Phil had a giving and loving spirit to family, friends, and strangers. He would wave and say hello to everyone, believing a simple kindness can change a persons life. He placed everyone else’s feelings before his own and would rather be hurt than see someone else hurt. He cherished family and friends, would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His compassion was unparalleled. Phil’s mantra was “Never break a commitment “ and he always stood by his word.

When Phil moved to Cookeville to care for his mother (Ma) he had no plans to live there but fell in love with the country life. His passion was always golf but later in life began to explore new adventures on the farm. Phil has always been very spiritual and in moving to the country his meditation and yoga reached a new level where he was practicing daily. He had the spirit of a child whose feeling of wonder never dwindled.

He loved gardening..planting vegetables, fruits, and flowers. He thought all plants, even the weeds, growing were beautiful. He even picked up a different kind of drill and began building shelves..night stands..and much more.

Another passion was traveling and he had just spent a month in Europe last September with his wife Susan where they fulfilled their dream trip. Phil’s Dad was an Army Colonel so Phil spent a lot of his youth in Turkey, and traveling Europe. Fortunately he was able to see these places shortly before he died.

One of his guilty pleasures was eating ice cream every night in bed, and Susan had to guess what flavor with just a hint from a kiss after he had eaten a few spoonfuls.

He was boyish, playful, and always believed in signs from the universe and always interpreted them as good luck. Some of his frequent signs were always red tail hawks and cardinals which seem to be visiting all of the surviving family members. Today and forever he flies free! He lives on in all of our hearts.

Preceded in death by his parents; Colonel Phillip T. Hutcheson, Jr and Diana Elder Hutcheson

Survived by wife, Susan Hutcheson who shared 33 joyful years of the deepest love, happiness, and true partnership imaginable.

Daughters Heather Hutcheson and Amy Saletovic who loved and worshiped their amazing father always and forever. Beloved Son in-laws Almir Saletovic and Zak Stinnett. Loving Sons, Vic and Matthew Rogers and Matthew loving supportive Daughter in-law, Jessica Rogers Much loved two beautiful granddaughters , Lakin Rogers Britt and husband Kristian Britt, and Maddie Longmire. Loving grandsons, Weston, Holden, Jameson Rogers, and Landon Casey Beloved Aunt Suzanne Strecker, loved cousin, David Delahanty and many cousins and special friends.

Because of Phil’s deep connection and love for all animals, especially his own the family asks in lieu of flowers you please donate to the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley (https://humanesocietytennessee.org/)

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.