Ralph Howard Hutchens

Ralph Howard Hutchens, 80, of East Bend, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 19, 2025.

Born on September 9, 1945, Ralph was the son of the late Howard Pinkley Hutchens and Jesse Pearl Sneed Hutchens. A farmer all his life, Ralph worked the land with dedication and pride, following in the footsteps of his daddy. His strong work ethic and love for farming defined much of who he was. Alongside farming, Ralph loved to work in lawn maintenance and care, he took great pride in his work making the lawns of his clients look beautiful.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Draughn (Ralph) and Frances Collins (Carl).

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Shirley Penley Hutchens; his son, Todd Hutchens (Vicky); two grandchildren, Tyler Hutchens and Brooke Ireland; two sisters, Gladys Riddle (Gray) and Clara Lee “Cricket” Collins (Jim); and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mountain Valley Hospice, Ricky Cain, and Janice Massey for their care, kindness, and support.

A Visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 pm will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. A funeral Service will follow after. The burial will be at the churches cemetery.

Pastor Glinard Lawson will be officiating the Funeral Service and Pastor Mickey Brooks will be officiating at the graveside service.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Hutchens family.

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