04/09/2026
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Alvin Gurney Hutto, Jr.
87, Columbia
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Alvin Gurney Hutto, Jr., 87 of Columbia, who passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Rev. Tom Thurman will officiate the service. Chris Turnage will provide special music. The Hutto family will receive guests on Saturday morning from 10:00 am up until the hour of service at 11:00 am at Hathorn Funeral Home.
Alvin was born August 19, 1938, in Columbia, Mississippi, to Inez Sterling Burns and Alvin G. Hutto, Sr. He attended Columbia City Schools until his family relocated to San Diego, California, where his father enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard. Alvin enlisted in the U. S. Navy at seventeen years of age. He served in the Navy from 1955 to 1975 and attained the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in 1973. He flew as an Enlisted Reconnaissance Attack Navigator and Bombardier Navigator.
He was one of only three enlisted RA5C Recon Attack Navigators in the U.S. Navy. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious Performance during combat operations. He was the youngest nominee for Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
After MCPO Hutto retired, he had a career in the aerospace industry. He became Administrator of Manufacturing for Piper Aircraft in Lakeland, Florida from 1976 to 1983. From 1983 to 1998, he spent his time working for Eagle International in Brownsville, Texas. During this time he also worked for Lee Howard Co. in San Antonio, Texas as Director of Aircraft Operations modifying Boeing 747 aircraft for heads of state for Mideast countries. Mr. Hutto was VP of Operations for new corporate jets for the Ed Swearingen Co. in San Antonio, Texas. He became VP and General Manager of Aerospace Manufacturing for Theim Industries, Inc. in Los Angeles, California.
He finished his career with Lockheed Martin in Program Management of Satellite Launch Vehicles (Atlas Rockets) in Harlingen, Texas from which he retired in 1998. He made his home in Harlingen, Texas until 2006 when he returned to Columbia and married his high school girlfriend, Gail Breland May.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Alvin G. Hutto, Sr.; his Mother, Inez Sterling Burns Hutto; his First Wife, Sharon Hutto; two Sisters, Princess Robertson and Husband, Happy; Alice McDaniel and Husband, Ray; three Brothers, W.C. Burns, Carl David Burns, Fred Hutto; and one Step-Granddaughter, Amelia Magee Rogers.
He is survived by his Wife, Gail Breland May Hutto; his Son, David Hutto (Kathy), of Mineral Wells, Texas; his Daughter, Dena Jones, of Harlingen, Texas; two Grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, John Jones, both of Jacksonville, Florida; one Step-Daughter, Carrie F. Magee (Tim), of Columbia; one Step-Son, Raymond May (Tina), of Columbia; three Step-Grandchildren, Stuart Magee (Courtney), of Brandon, Gabe May (Ella), of Clarksville, Tennessee, Gillian May, of Columbia. Six Great Grandchildren, Gavyn Jones, of Jacksonville, Florida, Craven Jones, of Jacksonville, Florida, Bo McKenzie, of Columbia, Connor Magee, of Brandon, Lillian Gail May, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Margot Magee, of Brandon; and several Nieces & Nephews.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.
