Bill Hutson

Bill Hutson, retired Sheriff of Cobb County and a respected law enforcement leader, passed away Friday, August 2, 2024. He was a dedicated public servant, committed community member, and beloved family man. His service to Cobb County and the state of Georgia left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations. Born and raised in Blairsville and moved to Marietta after high school Bill began his distinguished career in law enforcement with the Marietta Police Department, serving as a Patrolman and Detective Sergeant for 11 years. His leadership skills and dedication to public safety quickly became evident, and in 1977, he was elected Sheriff of Cobb County, a position he held until 2003. Under his leadership, the Cobb County Sheriff's Office became a model of excellence in law enforcement, recognized both statewide and nationally. From 2004 to 2006, Bill served as the Executive Director of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, where he continued to shape the future of law enforcement in Georgia. (Appointed by Governor Sonny Purdue) Bill's influence extended beyond his official duties. He served on numerous boards and authorities, including the United Community Bank Cobb Board of Directors, Georgia Sheriffs' Retirement Board of Commissioners, Kennestone Hospital Authority, and the Cobb County Pension Fund Board of Trustees. His commitment to the community was evident in his active participation in professional organizations, where he held leadership positions, such as President of the Georgia Sheriffs Association, Peace Officers' Association of Georgia, and the County Officers' Association of Georgia. Throughout his career, Bill received numerous accolades and awards, reflecting his outstanding contributions to public safety and his community. He was named one of Georgia's Most Influential People by James Magazine in 2005 and 2006, and he received the National Sheriffs' Association Sheriff of the Year Award in 1999, among many other honors. Bill was also deeply involved in his community, serving as a Board of Trustees member at Roswell Street Baptist Church, past president of the Marietta Civitan Club, and an active member of the Masonic Kennesaw Lodge #33, Scottish Rite, and Shrine. He was committed to supporting education, serving as past president of the McEachern High School PTA and Tapp Middle School PTA. Bill Hutson's legacy is one of service, leadership, and dedication to his community and state. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, a devoted public servant, and a loving family man. Even after his retirement, Bill never slowed down. For over 30 years, he raised Beefmaster cattle and devoted himself to the family farm. So devoted that he was still cutting and baling hay just prior to his most recent illness. Bill is survived by daughter, Tamie Hutson Leach (Ken); son, Jon Hutson (Jill); grandchildren, Justin (Megan), Jared, Kelsey (Sean), Jonathan and great grandson, Thomas and sister, Betty Elrod (Tom). He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and extended family. Bill is predeceased by his loving wife, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Collins Hutson. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 8th at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church. The family will receive friends before the service starting at 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes Foundation, 1000 Sheriffs Way, Madison, GA, 30650, or Calvary Children’s Home, 1430 Lost Mountain Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127. MayesWardDobbins.com 770-428-1511

Bill Hutson

February 16, 1939 - August 2, 2024