Wayne Cutchins

Norwood Wayne Cutchins, 88, of Portsmouth passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while residing in memory care at Bickford of Suffolk. Wayne — as he was known to most — was a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, VA, until moving to Bickford in September 2024. He grew up in the Prentis Park area and later settled in the Bide-A-Wee neighborhood, where he and his wife of 67 years, Grace Windsor Cutchins, raised their three sons. After becoming “empty nesters,” Wayne and Grace moved to Churchland, where they spent many happy years. Wayne graduated from Wilson High School with the Class of 1956½. He served in the Army National Guard and dedicated more than 40 years of service to the Virginia Department of Transportation as an inspector. Among the projects he was most proud to have worked on were the construction of Interstates 664 and 164 (the Western Freeway), as well as the expansion of the Downtown Tunnel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Relon and Elma Cutchins; his brother, Relon “Junebug” Cutchins, Jr.; and his son, Michael Cutchins. Wayne was an avid golfer and proudly achieved not one, but two holes-in-one at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course. He deeply valued the friendships and camaraderie he shared with his fellow golfers in the “Sunday Group.” That same love of sports and community carried into his family life. In the 1970s, Wayne served as president of Hi-Landers Little League, a role he took great pride in, especially since his three sons were actively involved in youth sports. After his retirement from VDOT, Wayne continued to enjoy friendly competition while spending time with Grace at their trailer in the Outer Banks, where he enjoyed playing horseshoes and corn hole (often ending up on the winning team!) He was also a loyal Washington Redskins fan and never passed up a cold beer. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Grace; his brother, Jack; his sons, Steve and his wife, Lotus, and Ron and his wife, Rebecca; his former daughter-in-law, Laurie; his grandchildren, Austin, Kendall, and Wyndsor; and his special "bonus" family, Alyssa, Adriana, Wes, and Talia. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January, 10, 2026 in Olive Branch Cemetery at Portsmouth City Park with Reverend Randy Duncan officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home in Churchland. As a testament to his sharp mind and love of problem-solving, Wayne never missed a day completing the newspaper’s daily crossword puzzle — until dementia no longer allowed him to do so. As such, in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Wayne’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.