Hundreds of people turned out to line the route and celebrate the life of an "inspirational" man who "touched so many hearts" at his Lowestoft funeral.
Glowing tributes have been paid to James 'Huggy' Hutchinson, after the highly respected and stalwart footballer died aged 49.
Hailed as a "legend" at Kirkley & Pakefield FC, the dominant centre half had shone during a trophy-laden football playing career that began at Waveney, before impressing at Lowestoft Town and then K&P as well as featuring for successful Sunday sides.
Huggy went onto manage successful teams at all adult levels at K&P - including a decade as reserves team manager, before he was promoted to assistant first team manager.
This was a position he held until his illness took over in 2018, when Huggy was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a seizure while watching his youngest son play cricket in May that year.
His strength of character and courage saw him return to the dugout at K&P as his sons continued to play for the Walmer Road outfit.
But after bravely fighting his long illness, Huggy died on August 12 following a "hugely courageous battle."
A club spokesman said: "James was a legend at the club.
"He had a great personality and was popular with everyone - he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Last Friday saw approaching 1,000 people line the route at the Waveney Crematorium for the funeral of ‘Huggy’.
"Many local clubs were in attendance, as they applauded and waved shirts as the hearse passed by.
"On behalf of the club and the Hutchinson family, all are thanked for a tremendous send off to a very well-liked and respected person taken too soon."
At the funeral service and celebration of Huggy's life at Waveney Memorial Park and Crematorium on September 8, funeral celebrant Matthew Gooch said: "This is such a sad day but as we unite together to celebrate Huggy there really are so many reasons we can smile.
"Recognising the life that Huggy lived, he would want us to smile."
Born on May 13 1974, the second child of Carol and Chris, and little brother to Emma, poignant tributes and stories were shared from family and friends at the service - which was attended by Huggy's favourite footballer, former Ipswich and England captain Terry Butcher.
Friend Simon West said: "Where do I even start talking about this amazing man who has touched so many hearts.
"You only have to look at all the people here today, those online and so many touching comments on social media to realise just what an inspirational man Huggy was.
"A tall gentle giant and a truly great friend who fought right to the end."
Husband to Jayne for 25 years, the couple had three sons Tom, Jack and Billy.
Paying tribute, Tom said: "I think the turnout today proves what a bloke he was, how well regarded he was around the local community - and that gives me immense pride to say that's my dad.
"We will never forget you dad, we love you, rest easy and remember be good."
Thanking all the well wishes and support of "so many friends" during an emotional tribute, Mrs Hutchinson said: "I want to thank you all for your friendshp and continuous support - especially over the last year.
"Unfortunately this was one battle too much and he just could not win it.
"There won't be a day that goes by when I won't think of you and miss you.
"I will miss you saying 'be good' to everyone when you say goodbye to them.
"But most of all I will just miss that smile of yours.
"Thank you for giving me the best 25 years of marriage truly filled with so much love and laughter.
"Thank you for the gift of our three amazing boys who I know you are so massively proud of.
"Thank you for fighting so hard and for being so inspirational to so many, but most of all thank you for loving me.
"You are the most amazing father, husband and friend anyone could ask for - and I will love you always.
"In the words of Tina Turner you are and always will be simply the best."
With online donations in memory of Huggy accepted for K&P, a celebration of his life continued at the club's Walmer Road headquarters on Friday, before "a fitting tribute" saw son Tom proudly don his dad's number five jersey on Saturday afternoon as the new K&P reserves kit - with Huggy’s name on the shirts - was worn for the first time in a 4-1 win.
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