Dr. William “Billy” Hutchings II, age 65, of Macon, GA, entered peacefully into eternity June 16, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was honored in a private ceremony on June 22.
Dr. Hutchings was the son of the late William S. Hutchings and Bettye O’Neal Hutchings. He attended St. Peter Claver Catholic School and Northeast High School. He continued his studies at Davidson College and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He attended Vanderbilt Medical School and graduated with a Doctor of Family Medicine in 1982.
Dr. Hutchings’ passion for caring for the sick and love for his hometown led him back home to Macon, Georgia. He began his residency in family practice medicine at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in 1982 and later partnered with Dr. Ralph Austin in establishing a successful private practice in family medicine.
Dr. Billy Hutchings’ dedication to improving the health of his patients and his community expanded beyond his private practice. He was a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and Bibb County; Medical Director of Source Care Management; attending physician at the Central Georgia Correctional Institute; Macon Braves team physician; and radio show host of “A Healthy Me with Dr. B” on the K.D. Bowe Morning Show.
Affectionately known as “Dr. Billy” in both professional and social spheres, he spent a lifetime serving the greater Middle Georgia community. He earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award with the Boy Scouts of America in 1972.
Later civic commitments include chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Race Relations Council; Macon Substance Abuse Foundation for Education; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; 100 Black Men of Macon; Rotary Club of Macon; Middle Georgia United Negro College Fund; Project READ; United Way of Middle Georgia; Bibb County Board of Education Member; United Churches of East Macon Prayer Team; and girls soccer coach with the Middle Georgia Youth Soccer Association.
Ever committed to learning and spiritual growth, Billy later earned an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from The Christian Life School of Theology and a Doctorate of Theology from Beacon University. He was an active member of Stone Edge Church in Macon.
Dr. Hutchings retired from Hutchings Healthcare in October 2020 after 38 years as a physician.
A loyal husband, father, son, and brother, Billy leaves to celebrate and cherish his life on Earth his wife of 33 years, Melanie Woods Hutchings; beloved daughters; Sasha and Kayla Hutchings; mother, Bettye O’Neal Hutchings; siblings; Starr Purdue (David), Sharon Hutchings, Suzanne Malloy (Daryl), Walter S. Hutchings, MD, and Warren S. Hutchings, M.D (Tami); brothers-in-law, Thomas Woods, Glenn Woods, Kenneth Woods, and Keith Woods; Aunts Gloria Hutchings and Gertie Rogers; Linda Bell, his devoted nurse of 35 years; 4 nieces, 12 nephews, a host of cousins, extended family, faithful friends, and loyal patients.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Dr. Hutchings, donations can be made to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, 4490 Ocmulgee E Blvd, Macon, GA 31217 and the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia, 6601 Zebulon Road, Macon, GA 31220.
Published by The Telegraph on Jun. 23, 2021.