Obituaries

Earl Cletis Utt, 85, of Axton, Virginia, transitioned to his heavenly home Sunday, November 23, 2025. He was born June 28, 1940, in Hillsville, Virginia, to the late Earl Estel Utt and Olivia Quesenberry Utt.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Hawks Utt; sisters, Bonnie Smith and an infant sister; and one grandson, Charles Cahill.

Earl was of the Christian faith and a member of Genesis Community Church. He worked for many years at Carlisle School as a bus driver and was known as someone who was kind and dependable. A true outdoorsman, he loved being out in nature where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Earl was self-employed as a paint contractor and took pride in his work. He lived a simple life and cared about the people around him.

He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Robison and Lisa White (David); son, Rodney Utt (Shirley); sister, Wanda Vaughn (Paul); brother, Rex Utt; brother-in-law, Jerry Smith; grandchildren, Corey Rakes (Monica), James Cahill, and Kelly Robison (Tim); great grandchildren, Emily Cahill, Lilly Rakes, Allison Rakes; and special daughters, S. Harris, Sherri Smith, and Anita Kendall.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Genesis Community Church, 618 Early Avenue, Eden, North Carolina, with Pastor Michael Dunn officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The family will hold a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Earl Utt to the SPCA of Martinsville-Henry County, 132 Joseph Martin Highway, Martinsville, Virginia 24112.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.