Charles Lee Hutton III, “Chuck,” passed away on May 9th, 2025 in Seattle, WA. He is survived by his brother and sister and their spouses: Thomas Hutton and his wife Michele, and Marian McDermott (nee Hutton) and her husband Timothy. In addition, Chuck leaves behind his nephew Robert and nieces Jacqueline, Laura, and Caroline, as well as treasured and loyal friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Lee Hutton, Jr and Muriel Thompson Hutton.

Chuck was born with a soldering gun in his hand. He loved to tinker with electronics in and connect with the world via short-wave radio. He had an incredible aptitude for science and engineering and earned a perfect score on his SAT exam. Chuck attended Emory University at Oxford when he was 16 and ultimately received a Bachelor’s of Science from Georgia State University. While working at Boeing, he completed a Master’s degree in Engineering from Southern Methodist University.

Chuck loved to travel and spent extended periods traveling across the globe. He photographed puffins in Iceland and traveled to Cuba through the back door and Guatemala several times. One of his favorite trips was to Turkey, where strangers invited him into their homes for tea. He was struck by their kindness and sincerity. Chuck shipped his albums and Honda motorcycle to Madrid, where he lived for several years while working for Alcatel. He traveled extensively around Spain, Morocco and Europe soaking in local music, food and culture. He eventually moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked as an engineer at AT&T and then Boeing.

Chuck had a myriad of passions and hobbies, including medium format photography, Indian cooking, supporting the Barcelona football club and listening to his favorite blues musician, Mississippi John Hurt. He journeyed to the Deep South to follow the Mississippi Blues Trail and found John Hurt’s grave. He was deeply moved by the experience. The radio club he was in enjoyed going to Grayland, Washington and Newfoundland annually to DX together. After retiring from Boeing, Chuck helped launch a local radio station in Seattle, KBFG 107.3. He enjoyed discovering local live music around Seattle and recording performances to broadcast on KBFG. He inherited his musical talent from his beloved Mother. Chuck played the sitar, Spanish guitar and mandolin. He had a soft spot for kitties and had many beloved fur babies throughout his life. Chuck will be remembered for his boisterous laugh, beautiful singing voice, and his unbreakable, jolly spirit.

Chuck’s family thanks those who looked out for him and showed him special love and attention during the challenging final years of his life including: Jodi, Vafa, Jeroen, Kathi, Bruce, his neighbors and countless others. A private service will be held at the family’s request. Memorial donations can be made in honor of Chuck to KBFG 107.3 via their website. Chuck’s soul lives on through sharing his love of music. We dream that Chuck is at peace riding his motorcycle in the sky and playing the Game of Life with his mother, Muriel.