Obituary of Clell Burton Hutchinson

Clell Burton “Chief” Hutchinson, CMC (SS), USN (Ret), died on August 27, 2016 at age 81. He embarked on eternal patrol from his home, surrounded by loved ones. Chief was born to the late Lillian Rumsey Hutchinson and Eldon “Halley” Hutchinson in Niles, Michigan. He was dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in his every endeavor; mediocrity was anathema to him. He was chief of the boat aboard several nuclear submarines. He was a navy career counselor and senior enlisted advisor to 2 admirals at the Charleston Navy Base as well as chairman of the advisory board of the base Chief’s Club. He served 2 terms as Command Master Chief Comsubgru Six Staff. As construction coordinator he oversaw the successful building and opening of SIMA. Chief was a member of the All Navy Conference and recommended several changes to the ombudsman program which were implemented Navy-wide. After navy retirement, Chief turned his attention to hunting, fishing, boating, competition shooting, and his family. He was Vice President of the Palmetto Gun Club and instrumental in promoting and supporting IPSY and IDPA shooting disciplines. He taught many shooters, including a talented aspiring Olympian. Chief continued his efforts to be a positive influence and problem solver in the community. Upon learning that his subdivision and surrounding areas were about to lose fire protection, he, along with Tony Peccarora, Ted French and several others began planning the Ashley River Fire District. Chief held many planning meetings at his house and he became Chairman of the Board of the Ashley River Fire District Planning Commission. The Robert Bosch Corporation donated land for the fire station and the commission received Dorchester County Council approval for an election to form the district and pass the tax authorization to fund it. The voters approved and the ARFD came to fruition. Chief was a member of The Subvets, the Holland Club, the NRA and the VFW and was an active member of St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church in Summerville. Chief is survived by his wife, Catherine Lehrberger Hutchinson; 2 daughters, Laura Friend (Joe) and Robin LaRocque (Steve); 2 grandsons, Steven and Adam Hassler (Ginger); and 2 granddaughters, Alexandra and Casandre LaRocque. He was predeceased by granddaughter Danielle LaRocque. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services (7475 Peppermill Pkwy, North Charleston, SC 29418). His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 AM on September 1st, at St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, 11001 Dorchester Road, Summerville. Interment will follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens after the Mass. Reception immediately following graveside services will be held in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Theresa building fund or the Wounded Warriors Project. Arrangements made by Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services (7475 Peppermill Pkwy, North Charleston, SC 29418).