Robert James Hutchison

Robert James Hutchison passed away peacefully with his family present on Sunday, October 8th, 2023, at the age of 79. He was a much-loved son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him.

Hutch, as he was known by most, was born in Oklahoma on March 15th, 1944. His family moved to Ft. Worth and later to Haltom City, where he was raised. He joined the United States Navy at 17 years old and served during the Vietnam War on the aircraft carrier, USS Constellation III. After an injury on the flight deck left him unable to serve, he was honorably discharged in 1965. He was extremely proud of being a US Navy Veteran.

Upon returning home, Hutch became a mechanic during the week for the Moritz and Vandergriff family dealerships while pursuing his hobby of racing every weekend in or out-of-town. He loved working on cars, always striving to make them lighter and faster. Years of racing in Division 4 finally led to one of his greatest accomplishments- he won the 1976 NHRA championship in the Super Stock Class at Ontario Motor Speedway in California.

Throughout his life Hutch continued racing his own cars, drove for others or formed partnerships with other drivers to compete in his cars. In order to share his passion for racing, he purchased Texas Raceway in Kennedale, Texas. And later he owned and operated Little River Raceway in Temple, Texas.

Racing was the love of his life and he remained connected to racing to the very end. He forged numerous relationships with drivers and their families. Even through life’s ups and downs, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His generosity and kindness knew no bounds.

Outside of racing, Hutch enjoyed traveling by car, boating, fishing, and riding his Harley. He often included his three daughters and grandchildren in his adventures. He had many hobbies including creating and collecting things, going to car shows, motorcycle rallies, and swap meets.

Hutch was preceded in death by his mother, Doris, and his father, Bert. He is survived by his three daughters, Wendy Mann, Hope Hutchison and husband Ron, Jamee Wilson and husband Marion, his sister Marie Farmer, and his brother Richard Hutchison and wife Becki. Hutch was Papa to his six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Hutch’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, October 19th, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX 76013.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Humane Society of North Texas in his name and for the love of his beloved dogs. HSNT.org