Bill Kutz

Bill Kutz

Staff Reports's picture

William Arland Kutz, Jr., was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on December 19, 1942, to the late William Arland, Sr., and Virginia Dengler Kutz. He passed away on June 18, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by his devoted family. Bill’s greatest loves in life were God, family, and music.

After graduating South Broward High School in Hollywood, Florida, where his family relocated, Bill completed his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in organ performance at Florida State University. He served churches in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina as a minister of music, playing organ and directing both children’s and adult choirs in performance and handbell. He always encouraged his choirs with a positive attitude and a perennial smile. He also brought much joy to patients in hospitals and nursing homes through his volunteer work. Bill ministered to many people both in times of celebration and during trials of sorrow. He radiated a Christian spirit of devotion to God and love for all throughout his entire life. His strong faith sustained him during his personal struggle with illness, and his cheerful and caring demeanor was an inspiration to many.

Bill regarded his family as one of God’s greatest blessings to him. In 1968, he married his college sweetheart, Elizabeth Kennedy Kutz. They had one son, William Arland Kutz III, and later welcomed their precious granddaughter Martha Ellen (Ellie). A devoted family man, Bill cherished trips with them to the beach and mountains and enjoyed special celebrations at Furman University, the Peace Center, Thornblade Club, and in the beauty of his home. The family lovingly welcomed many four-legged, furry additions to their home over the years, but Bill had a special love for Dillie, a rescued pup that he lavished with affection and loved to take on long walks through the neighborhood cheerily greeting everyone he encountered along the way.

Music was Bill’s joyous work throughout his life. He won many organ competitions while at FSU, garnered several scholarships, and enjoyed his membership in Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity. A consummate musician, Bill was honored to perform at Kennedy Center and at Carnegie Hall with John Rutter. Bill has served the Upstate as Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville; First Presbyterian Church, Anderson; Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, Greenville; and most recently, First United Methodist Church in Laurens, SC.

Surviving Bill in addition to his loving wife of 47 years, Elizabeth; are his devoted son, Billy; his beloved granddaughter, Ellie, family member Timothy William Varner; a sister, Carolyn Kutz Anderson and her husband, George; one niece; and a host of cherished friends.

The family extends sincere appreciation to Drs. Bruce Gray, Scott Porter, and Paul Catalana and to the fourth floor nursing staff at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at the Charles Ezra Daniel Memorial Chapel at Furman University. Presiding ministers will be Rev. Alice MacKeil, Dr. Bill Rogers, and Dr. Bob Pettit.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Paul Catalana, Ron Spencer, Randy Hillman, David Roney, Don McAlister, David Hannon, Bob Bayne, Charles Jeter, Ken Mobbs, John MacKeil, Jarred Austin, Al Harris, Everett Rampey and Smith Patterson.

Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, Laurens.

As St. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Online registry available at www.mackeymortuary.com.

The Greer Citizen

317 Trade Street Greer, SC 29651

Phone: 1-864-877-2076

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