Carace “Doc” Ray Hutchins, age 83, of Hilton Place, Forest City, NC, died Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

Carace was born August 26, 1929 in Rutherford County, NC to the late Clarence Malachi Hutchins and Bertha Mae Hoffman Hutchins. He was a graduate of Tri-High School, class of 1947 and a member of Cliffside Missionary Methodist Church. He worked for General Motors, Bethlehem Steel and Rutherford Textiles during his working years. He was also a hunter who raised Beagles and was a master carpenter. He had a passion for Blue Grass Music and was known as “Mr. Banjo”. He built and played banjos and had the privilege of playing blue grass with some most famous of all blue grass performers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Jim Hutchins; two sisters, Vangie Trout and Mamie Kiser.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lucille Hutchins; three sons, Carace Lance Hutchins, Steve Hutchins and wife, Cheryl and Mark Hutchins and wife, Myra Hutchins all of Forest City; two daughters, Freida Cosgriff and husband, Jim of Dearborn, Michigan and Kathy Bright of Forest City; three sisters Dot Walker, Louise Parris and Barbara Hutchins all of Forest City. He is also survived by twenty two grandchildren, twenty six great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Terry White officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for the family of Mr. Hutchins.