Owen Jennings Hutto, Jr.

Owen was born on September 15, 1933 in Columbia and lived in the West Columbia/Cayce area his adult life. He was a second generation owner and operator of Palmetto Carpet in Columbia and retired in 2006. Owen was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Floyd Hutto, in 2017. They were inseparable as they worked together operating a successful flooring business and raising four children.

He was a lifetime member of Brookland United Methodist Church in West Columbia where he served on numerous committees and especially enjoyed helping out in the kitchen serving the homeless for their Fishes and Loaves outreach program. He truly missed attending services and participating in outreach opportunities during his illness. The family would like to thank the Brookland members who continued to reach out to him. It really was a comfort to him and the family.

Owen served in the United States Air Force and was active during the Korean War. He traveled on The Honors Flight to Washington, DC, with his best friend, Wallace Thornton, which was a major highlight of his life.

Owen is survived by two daughters, Marie (Wayne) Lybrand and Darlene (Thom) Walker of West Columbia; two sons, Jeff (Dana) Hutto of West Columbia, and Dean (Penny) Hutto of Lexington. He was also blessed with ten grandchildren; Hampton (Nicole) Lybrand, Matthew (Stephanie) Lybrand, Stewart Mosley, Fuller (Kelly) Walker, Blaine Walker, Jennings (Emma) Walker, Laura (Zach) Cashion, Abby Hutto, Weston Hutto, Susanna Hutto; and eleven great-grandchildren that lovingly called him “Poppy.”

In addition to his wife, Owen was preceded in death by his parents, Owen J. Hutto, Sr. and Margaret Livingston Hutto; an infant son, Russell Blain Hutto; and a sister, Marlene Hutto Taylor.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 29 at Brookland United Methodist Church of West Columbia. The Reverend Mark Payne and The Reverend Wayne Smith will officiate with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel.

The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to Gail Marcum, his main caregiver and friend for over three years. Gail loved Poppy like her second Dad and we are so grateful for your love, care, and patience. Also, thank you to Ray Bee who was his companion and “cook” for two years and to Dian Small and Charlene East for their long hours and care. The family is also appreciative to the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their care and support.