Lawrence Ward "Hutch" Hutcherson, Sr., 73, of Palatka, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital. A native of Palatka, he was the son of Henry "Honeycat" Hutcherson, Sr. and Lucy Victoria Fields Hutcherson, born on Wednesday, August 17, 1949. He was educated in the Putnam County School District at Central Academy High School where he served as senior class president. He was a 1966 graduate at the age of 16.  After graduation, he enrolled in St. Johns River Junior College, Palatka, where he also enjoyed athletics, playing football and basketball. He subsequently transferred to Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee and was amongst the first black students to integrate the institution and was instrumental in paving the way for future black students to gain a better educational experience through his sacrifices during the late '60s and early '70s.  During his time at FSU, he tutored and cooked for friends and in 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.

Following graduation, "Hutch" fulfilled his teaching internship in the Hendry County School District in LaBelle, FL. It was no surprise that he returned to his hometown. He was employed by Seminole Electric in the coal yard as an equipment operator. He formerly served as First Reader in the First Church of Christ Scientist in Palatka and later merged with the St. Augustine Church.  Lawrence was a Grants Administrator, assisting countless citizens and non-profit organizations with Community Development Block grant applications. "Hutch" was a community activist who truly loved helping the needy with nearly any kind of issue, especially housing and funding matters. He was a man truly "for the people."

In addition to his father, he was preceded in eternal rest by two brothers, Edward Steven "Steve" Hutcherson and Conious "Tube" Hutcherson.

He leaves to cherish his memories: beloved mother, Lucy Victoria Hutcherson; four sons, Orentheus Hutcherson, Maurice Hutcherson, Lawrence (Tamekia) Hutcherson, Jr., and Immanuel Hutcherson; devoted daughter, Alicia Hutcherson; mother of his children, Rebecca Watkins; grandchildren, Lauren Hutcherson, Lawrence III; great-grandson, Sekani Ramir Hutcherson; brothers, Henry Hutcherson, Jr., Richard Hutcherson; sisters, Eleanor Johnson and Lucy Victoria Powell; step-grandchildren, Alisha Hunter, Jamara White, Jartavis White and Montrell White; step-great-grandchildren, Kaison Hunter, Kaelai Harris, and Jameelah McHellen; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, colleagues, and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 3-5 p.m., Friday, December 2; Celebration of Lawrence's Life will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 3 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.