Joseph William “Bill” Cutchins, 80, died Nov. 16, 2005 in his home at Boykins. He was born Oct. 6, 1925 in Newsoms, a son of the late Ernest Lee and Bernice Newton Cutchins, and was a Navy veteran during WWII, serving in the Pacific theater. Upon his return to Southampton County, he was a farmer and agricultural businessman until retirement.

As an active member of his community, Bill served as a charter member of the Boykins Volunteer Fire Department, on the Boykins Town Council for 17 years, and was a past president of the Boykins Lion’s Club. He was a member of Boykins United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Board for the church.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marguerite Smith Cutchins; a daughter, Beverly Cutchins Van Straten and husband Michael of Suffolk; two sons, William Donovan Cutchins and wife, Tammy, of Forest, Kevin Smith Cutchins and wife, Rosalind, of Suffolk; five grandchildren, Kelsey Rebecca Cutchins, Lindsay Elizabeth Cutchins, Alexis Brianne Cutchins, Nicholas William Cutchins, Jack William Van Straten; and a brother, Ernest Charles Cutchins of Washington, D. C. Bill was predeceased by a grandson, Zachary Crenshaw Cutchins.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Boykins United Methodist Church with Rev. Edward C. Johnson and Michael Baugham officiating. A reception to receive friends will follow in the church fellowship hall.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p. m. Friday at Beechwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Children’s Center, 700 Campbell Avenue, Franklin, Va. 23851, or Boykins United Methodist Church, 32167 Main Street, Boykins, Va. 23827. Wright Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.