Hocutt, Luby C.

August 30, 1967 — April 28, 1995
Son of Thelbert and Nellie B. Hocutt
Father of Luby Stephen Hocutt

Antioch Car 2
These are just a few words.
About someone whom we loved and had admiration, Someone whom always seemed to be there,
But now his days here are done.
Whether it was the middle of the night, Or the middle the day,
He was always there helping,
In each and every way.
He did it not for fame or fortune,
Nor the praises he could share,
But because in his mind he had the knowledge, And in his heart was the care.
To many he was a co-worker, To others he was a dear friend,
And if you ever needed anything. He was there until the end
If they ever need fire and EMS in Heaven, Then he will know what to do,
He was someone you could count on, He was "Antioch car Two."
As we go through our activities of daily living, There's one thing we will all have to face, Someone may take his position,
But no one can ever take his place!!!
Luby, we will always love you!
Jr. Sasser Kenly EMS

Memorial contributions by Thelbert and Nellie B. Hocutt, Wilson Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, and Wilson Fire Fighters Association.

Luby Cecil Hocutt grew up on a small tobacco farm in Kenly with his parents, Thelbert and Nellie B. Hocutt, and his brother, Kendall He joined the Cub Scouts and went on to earn his Eagle Scout at the young age of 15. Luby also enjoyed little league and continued playing baseball until high school.

He was very involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA) throughout his youth. He won several awards, including 2nd place in the Youth Tobacco Program in 1983 and 1984 and 1st place in 1985. Luby received the Victor award his senior year of high school. After graduating from North Johnston High School in 1985, Luby went on to graduate from Johnston County Community College with a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.

Luby's love for firefighting began in his childhood. He became a junior fireman at 14 and went on to become a certified fireman when he was 18 years old. He also worked as a dispatcher for the Johnston County Sheriff Department. When communications and the Sheriff Department split, Luby continued to work with Johnston County Communications and helped develop the 911 system in Johnston County. He was named First Responder of the Year in Johnston County in 1990. When he was 22, Luby became the Assistant Chief of the Antioch Fire Department. He was also a Certified Level III Firefighter and a Certified Level II Instructor. In 1993, Luby fulfilled a dream by becoming a career firefighter with the Wilson Fire and Rescue Services. Due to his hard work, experience, and dedication, Luby was named the 1994 Fireman of the Year for the City of Wilson. His promising career ended with a fatal motorcycle accident in April 1995. However, his accomplishments did not go unnoticed. On August 5, 1995, out of 40,000 entries, Luby was selected by the North Carolina Firemen's Association as the North Carolina Fireman of the Year. It was the first time this honor had been given to a deceased firefighter. It was also the first time Fireman of the Year had been given to someone from Johnston County.

Wilson Fire Chief Don Oliver stated, "In his short time with the City of Wilson Fire and Rescue Services, Luby Hocutt made a significant impact on our organization. He assisted in developing our computer network in our establishment. His expertise assisted many in both information management and fire fighting technology. He was a highly respected firefighter. He's the type of guy you just like being around, very determined. He had a lot of confidence in what he was about."

Luby was a man who loved life. He was active in his church and the community. He taught first aid classes and enjoyed helping others. He also loved his family. He was the proud father of Luby Stephen Hocutt, who was born on December 27, 1990. His mother Nellie says, "God sent Luby to us by adoption and he proved to be a very special child. He and his brother Kendall were very close to each other and were always helping each other. Luby was always very appreciative of what you did for him and always wanted to help others."