The longest running county attorney in Adair County history, Ray Hutchison, has died.
Hutchison, 87, spent more than six decades practicing law, serving Adair County through three decades as county attorney and continuing to work alongside his daughter long after retiring from elected office.
“He just turned 87 and was still driving almost an hour each way to work four days a week,” said Gina Baker, who has worked for Hutchison for 10 years. “I’m so thankful that he got to keep working right up until the end.”
Hutchison began his legal career in 1964 after graduating from Cumberland School of Law. Following five years in private practice, he ran for Adair County attorney and was elected in 1969. He served in that position for 30 years before retiring in August 2000. He then served as assistant county attorney until February 2016.
His work included cases ranging from speeding tickets to murder trials, and his career spanned significant changes in Kentucky’s court system, the responsibilities of county attorneys and the technology used in legal proceedings.
Hutchison also served as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney, presenting cases for Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Carter, questioning witnesses and arguing cases in court.
Hutchison’s connection to the local legal community – where he was known for his memory of people, events and cases – stretches back to the beginning of his career.
Baker said Hutchison had a way of telling stories that made his experiences memorable.
“Adair County lost a good one,” she said. “There will never be another one like him. He had the best stories; he could remember people and events from back when he first started practicing law.”
Hutchison’s influence also extended to his family. His daughter, Jennifer Hutchison-Corbin, the current Adair County attorney, began working with him when she was 16. The two continued practicing law together at Hutchison & Hutchison after he stepped away from elected office.
“I have worked with my dad since I was 16 years old, and seeing his commitment to his community definitely influenced my career path,” Hutchison-Corbin said during a March interview. “He’s been a great mentor my entire life.”
That influence extended beyond his family, earning him a reputation for honesty and quiet dedication among those who knew him and worked alongside him.
“He was a no-nonsense guy and if he told you something, you could count on it,” she said. “He never needed to boast about his accomplishments; he didn’t need anyone’s praise.”
“We’ll never know all the things he’s done for people and our community over the years,” she said.
See full obituary on page 5.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
