Celebrating the life of
William Charles "Will" Hutson
June 05, 1974 - March 31, 2026
William Charles Hutson, 51, of Brunswick GA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 31, 2026, after a short illness. Will was born on June 5, 1974, in Savannah, GA. He would spend all of his formative years in his hometown and graduated from Jenkins High School in 1993. Afterwards, Will joined the U.S. Coast Guard and would spend over three decades in service to the U.S. government in various capacities.
Will had traveled all around the country at his various stations. The U.S. Coast Guard saw him stationed in Baltimore, MD and West Palm Beach, FL. After eight years in military service, he joined the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Police and held positions in Portland, OR and Redington Beach, FL. After several years with the VA, Will began his career with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a Marine Interdiction Agent. This role brought him to Sault Ste. Marie, MI, then down to St. Thomas, USVI, to Cape Coral, FL and finally to Glynco, GA as an instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) under the Air and Marine Operations division. While this is an extensive list of locations, it does not include the many additional places where he volunteered for temporary assignments whenever his skills and versatility were needed.
One of the earliest residents of Skidaway Island, Will loved being outdoors as a youngster, exploring the vast woods and marshes. His love for the outdoors never waned, even into adulthood. He loved being out on his boat fishing with friends or catching and teaching others how to fish from the lagoons of The Landings. If the fish weren’t biting you could often find him sitting on the beach while reading a book. Will had an infectious personality and had the innate ability to collect friends wherever he went. He always made sure to stay connected with his friends and would often travel to visit them. Rooting for the UGA football team was another of his favorite pastimes, especially of late.
He loved his country, his family, and all of the friends he made throughout his life. He also loved his job and coworkers and was very proud of his part in keeping our country safe.
Will is survived by his mother, Johanna Johnpeter Hutson, younger brother Tom (Lara) Hutson, his Uncle Charles (Susan) Johnpeter and family, Aunt Sarah Johnpeter, and his nieces Natalie and Leah Hutson who he adored. He also leaves behind an incredible number of friends whom he considered family — far too many to list.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at Skidaway Community Church on April 18 at 11:00a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the CBP Foundation at thecbpfoundation.org.
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We are praying for the family and sending thoughts of comfort.
- Xyndi and Eric Lomboy, Millbrae, CA
In loving memory of friend and coworker, Will. We first met in basic training and really bonded during boat training in the backwaters of the Altamaha. I'll never forget those days on the water, the laughs we shared, and the way Will passed on his knowledge to fellow students and instructors we worked with. His strength, kindness, and loyalty carried through every part of his life. I'm grateful to have known him not just as a teammate, but as a brother. He will be missed.
- Dave Goodwin, Manassas , VA
My sincere condolences to the family. He will be missed. We open together the Sault Ste Marie office.
- Manuel Rivera, Homestead, FL
So very sorry to hear of Will's passing. He was a larger than life kind of guy. A loyal friend. I will miss your late night phone calls to catch up and just talk about life. My heartfelt condolences to the family and his many friends, which I know are many.
- Vivian , Sapphire Beach, St Thomas
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, we met Will through my brother Marty, and it is a honor to know Will.. GO DAWGS
- Joel & Amy Davenport , Monroe, Ga
The Hutson family never stopped loving Will and Tom and always hoped to see or hear from them again. His Nana aPoppa would be so proud of the young man he became.
- Kimberly Lewis, Athens, TN
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Will spoke of his family often with us. We meant Will while he was working up here in Sault Ste Marie. We have remained close ever since. He would often make visits and stay with us in August and Semptember ofcourse, because if temps dipped below 60 he would ask how do you people live like this. We would often make visits to see him in January or February. We were fortunate to have one last meal and visit with him on Jekyll Island a few days prior to his passing. He was a great friend and a guy I would call my brother. We are going to miss him dearly!
- Jeff Shook and Family, Cedarville , MI
So sorry for your loss we are praying for the family, He will be missed
- Brian and Dee Fritts, Savannah , Ga
Will, you will definitely be missed. I had some fun times with you that can never be duplicated. You were a man with a big heart and lived life to the fullest. You left us to soon, they say the good die young. Protect those Pearly Gates, and one day I will see you on the other and we can have a few beers together. Rest easy brother.
- Ed Kocsis, Cape Coral, FL
Will, you are definitely going to be missed! I'll miss having lunch with you while I was down in Brunswick, and fishing with you around the Landings. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
- Andy Armstrong, Savannah, GA
Sincere condolences on your lost. My Mom, Fran Koch, always spoke so highly of Will, and what great neighbors the Hudson's were. She would have been very impressed with Will's service career. Janet and Phil Koch
- Phil Koch, Northport, NY
My wife, Nancy, and I share our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. Will was a great friend, a respected colleague and wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. Praying for your strength and peace as we navigate this difficult time.
- Brent and Nancy Nelson, Brunswick, Georgia
I worked with Will while assigned the Island of St. Thomas USVI. I will always remember Will inviting me to the beach on Sunday to chill and enjoy the blue waters of St. Thomas. Rest easy Will.
- Lamont None Johnson, Rochester Hills, MI
Big Will, for almost 30yrs in knowing you, I can say that our roots went deeper than just friendship. Through life's highs and lows, your natural gift for knowing exactly when and what to say to always make me crack a smile for when I needed it the most. Your one-liners will carry with me forever. Struggling to imagine that you're not just a phone call away but knowing you're still looking out, just from a different place now. Your presence, your laughter, your energy - will never fade. Rest easy, my brother.
- JC Barry, Saint Augustine, FL
I am a former colleague of Johanna.She would share cherished memories of our sons ;particularly proud of "Will" when he joined the Coast Guard. I'm heartbroken for his passing.My prayers for your comfort.
- Terry hinnant Davis, Savannah, Ga.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 am on Sat, April 18, 2026
- Skidaway Community Church
-
50 Diamond Causeway (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31411

