John Thomas Hutton
May 29th, 1949 - Jul 6th, 2026- Birth Date: May 29, 1949
- Death Date: Jul 6, 2026
- Funeral Date: Jul 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm
- Location: St. James United Methodist Church, Little Rock AR 72212
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Biography:
John Thomas Hutton, 77, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on July 6, 2026.
John was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1949 to Elizabeth H. Hutton and Tate C. Hutton. He grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he attended College High School before graduating from Western Kentucky University in 1971 as a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Tate Hutton.
He is survived by his stepson, Brian Hall; two granddaughters, Hailey Hall and Shelby Powers; his sister, Ruthie C. Hume (Bill); his brother, Tate C. Hutton Jr. (Deloris); one niece, Holly Harrell; one nephew, Pat Hume; many great-nieces and great-nephews, plus two great-great nieces and one great-great nephew.
John was a longtime devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church, where one of his greatest joys was singing in the church choir. An avid and accomplished golfer, he also loved traveling, visiting family, and making everyone around him laugh.
John married the love of his life, Carol, on December 16, 1977. Together they made their home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where they raised their family before moving to Memphis, Tennessee. There, John served as Vice President of Baptist Memorial Healthcare for many years. They later relocated to Little Rock, where John served as Senior Vice President of St. Vincent Health System, and Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent Sherwood. He retired after serving many years as CEO of Arkansas Urology.
John was deeply involved in his community and earned the respect and admiration of many through his professional accomplishments, natural leadership, and unwavering generosity. Although many knew him as John, to his family he was affectionately known as "Papa John," a role he treasured above all else.
After more than 48 years of love, devotion, and partnership, John and Carol passed peacefully in their home. Just as they lived side by side, they departed this life together, never having to face a day without one another. Their enduring love was an inspiration to all who knew them.
John and Carol’s celebration of life will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, AR on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. James United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
John and I started work the same day at St Vincent hospitals on the administrative team. We became fast friends and enjoyed a couples friendship as well as individual friendships . They were our closest friends. We traveled together and made sure even with our distance in miles, to get together once to twice a year. We spent frequent times on the telephone or iPad video call with a glass of wine keeping each other up to date . We traveled together and discussed our families and the world order with each other. Heck, even our dogs liked each other. We are devastated, totally devastated at their passing. They were such a positive influence to their grandkids and so enjoyed having new great grand kids. They were true Christians in every sense. I feel like I'm speaking to the choir. Everyone who knew them , knew what and who they were and were touched in some most positive way.. Hailey and Shelby the obituaries were well done. Brian my heart goes out to you. We'll stay in touch as you are a big piece of their legacy. It is comforting to know they are together. Feel our arms around you and yours. Much Love , Karen and Phil Strathman
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