Robert Edward “Eddie” Hutchens Jr. and Carol Jane Fuller were married February 7, 1964, in Decatur, Ill. Their family will host a reception in their honor on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Eastern Heights Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 2 until 4 p.m. No local invitations are being sent, but all friends and family are invited. No gifts, please.
    Eddie served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, including combat tours in Vietnam, during which he earned the Bronze Star Medal, and retired from active duty with the Georgia Army National Guard after more than 29 years of service. While serving as a citizen-soldier, he spent 21 years with Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, retiring as a manager in 1986. These 21 years were spent in Memphis, Tenn. (1 year), and in Albany, Ga. (20 years), where he and Carol lived for 34 years, working and raising their three sons before moving to Statesboro in 2004. He continues serving the community as a court security bailiff for the Bulloch County Sherriff’s Department, providing entry control and security at the Bulloch County Courthouse. He loves the Lord, is an active member at Eastern Heights Baptist Church, enjoys being with family and friends and hunts and reads in his spare time.
    Carol taught good sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for authority to hundreds of children during her 29 years as a physical education teacher in the Dougherty County School System in Albany. She also served as a stalwart supporter to the Georgia Army National Guard, including tirelessly providing meals and clean laundry for the soldiers who were providing humanitarian assistance in 1994 when rainfall from Hurricane Alberto caused the worst flooding in south Georgia’s recorded history. For her countless hours of dedicated service helping others, she earned the Georgia National Guard Commendation Medal. She loves the Lord, is an active member at Eastern Heights Baptist Church, enjoys spending time with family and friends and helps others in a variety of ways.
    Eddie and Carol have three children: Bob (Allison) of Tampa, Fla.; Todd (Sheila) and Scott (Jennifer), all of Statesboro. They have six grandchildren: Bo (Trudy), Keri, Chase, Summer, Hope and Kody; and one great-grandchild, Ryker.