Biography:

John Thomas Hutton, 77, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on July 6, 2026.
John was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1949 to Elizabeth H. Hutton and Tate C. Hutton. He grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he attended College High School before graduating from Western Kentucky University in 1971 as a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Tate Hutton.

He is survived by his stepson, Brian Hall; two granddaughters, Hailey Hall and Shelby Powers; his sister, Ruthie C. Hume (Bill); his brother, Tate C. Hutton Jr. (Deloris); one niece, Holly Harrell; one nephew, Pat Hume; many great-nieces and great-nephews, plus two great-great nieces and one great-great nephew.

John was a longtime devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church, where one of his greatest joys was singing in the church choir. An avid and accomplished golfer, he also loved traveling, visiting family, and making everyone around him laugh.

John married the love of his life, Carol, on December 16, 1977. Together they made their home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where they raised their family before moving to Memphis, Tennessee. There, John served as Vice President of Baptist Memorial Healthcare for many years. They later relocated to Little Rock, where John served as Senior Vice President of St. Vincent Health System, and Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent Sherwood. He retired after serving many years as CEO of Arkansas Urology.

John was deeply involved in his community and earned the respect and admiration of many through his professional accomplishments, natural leadership, and unwavering generosity. Although many knew him as John, to his family he was affectionately known as "Papa John," a role he treasured above all else.

After more than 48 years of love, devotion, and partnership, John and Carol passed peacefully in their home. Just as they lived side by side, they departed this life together, never having to face a day without one another. Their enduring love was an inspiration to all who knew them.

John and Carol’s celebration of life will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, AR on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. James United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com