Jerry Roberts Hutchinson, 88, of Clinton, MS, passed away on July 1, 2026.  Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, MS, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow the service at the Utica Cemetery in Utica, MS.

Jerry was born on January 3, 1938, in Jackson, MS, to the late James Herbert Hutchinson and Pearl Roberts Hutchinson.  He graduated from Forest Hill High School in 1955 where he lettered in all sports.  He received a football scholarship to Auburn University and played on the 1957 National Championship Football Team.  Jerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and English and a Master of Education degree from Auburn University.  He later obtained a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Mississippi.  He was employed by the University of Mississippi in the Department of Educational Research where he also taught classes in the School of Education.  He pursued different roles in his career as a teacher, coach and Director of different departments for the Mississippi Department of Education.  After retiring from State service, he started a consulting business, Educational Dimensions Unlimited.

Jerry loved life and always tried to make each day count and be productive.  He had a deep appreciation and respect for the beauty of the natural world and was a faithful steward of the earth.  He found great joy in God's creation whether hunting, fishing, gardening or planting trees.  Jerry always had projects and his last big project was planting an Asian persimmon orchard starting with 65 different varieties collected from several different states.  He enjoyed the novelty of making persimmon ice cream and popsicles to reveal the sweetness of the fruit.  He had a vast knowledge of growing plants and the skill of grafting which he enjoyed sharing with others.

Jerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  It gave him great joy to attend the many activities of his 3 grandchildren including baseball, football, gymnastics, cheering and other Church and school activities.  He was so proud of them and all their accomplishments.  He especially loved the family gatherings when meals ended and a baseball game followed in the front yard.  Rules for the game were sometimes varied and often made as the game progressed.  But, Granddaddy always abided by the rules!

Jerry loved Morrison Heights Baptist Church and the many friendships in the Auston's Life Group he attended. He loved quoting the 10 Commandments and lived his life by Psalm 19:14 which states, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dot Curtis Hutchinson, son, Chad Roberts Hutchinson (Collin); grandchildren, Murray, Ann Travis, and Warren; sister, Patty Lou Benson, and sister-in-law, Helen Curtis Fleming, and a number of nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dr, James Herbert Hutchinson, Jr., sister-in-law, Bettey Scott Hutchinson, and brother-in-law, Dr. Harry King Benson.

Memorials may be to Morrison Heights Baptist Church (Missions), 3000 Hampstead Blvd., Clinton, MS  39056.