Rufus Hutchen Edwards

Rufus Hutchen “Hutch” Edwards Jr., 81, died Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at his home in McKinney after a battling a long illness. Born in Rose Hill, North Carolina, the son of Rufus Hutchen and Gertrude (Casteen) Edwards, he lived most of his childhood there and in neighboring Chinquapin.No stranger to hard work, Hutch harvested tobacco on nearby fields at a young age. He joined the U.S. Army at age 17, coming home on leave to earn extra money driving a semi-truck. During his time in the Army, he did everything from helicopter maintenance in Vietnam to supply and logistics in Belgium, earning many awards and recognition for his efforts and service. He retired after 20+ years with the rank of Command Sergeant Major, in Austin, Texas and after a few years as CSM of the Texas State Guard, became housing manager at the State of Texas National Guard Headquarters at Camp Mabry. After 20 years there, he earned his second retirement. His lifelong love of the ocean finally led Hutch to Port Aransas, Texas and it was home for many years until illness brought him to North Texas to be closer to his family.Hutch leaves behind his daughter, Audrey Ross and husband Curtis; his three beloved grandchildren; Jessica LaRue, Julianne LaRue, and Aaron Ross; his sister, Florine Carr and husband William; niece, Jacqueline Carr; nephew, William Carr Jr.; son, Randall Edwards; and many close friends.An avid fisherman, hunter, and local artist in Port Aransas, Hutch was known for his hand carved fish and ducks. Even in sickness, he could be found carving, sanding, and signing his “lucky ducks” to give away as soon as they were finished. He loved people and truly never met a stranger. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 21 at 2pm at Pioneer Ridge, 7210 Linkside Point Drive in McKinney, Texas.