Eli Sutherland

Eli Ryan Sutherland Haysi, Va. Dr. Eli Ryan Sutherland, age 30, was born on Aug. 24, 1979. Eli was a joy to all who met him until he left this world on Nov. 7, 2009. He waged a brave battle against cancer and was an inspiration to everyone. He was the beloved son of Bob and Colleen Counts Sutherland. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Eli O. Sutherland; and maternal grandparents, Clyde and Elsie Counts. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Luke and wife Jessica; niece, Abigail Sutherland; a sister, Sydney Sutherland; grandparents Banner and Ival Anderson; a special friend, Hannah Biber; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Eli was a 1998 graduate of Haysi High School. He attended the University of Virginia's College at Wise and went on to graduate from The Campbell University School of Pharmacy with honors. He was employed by Welmont Hospital in Kingsport, Tenn. Eli's greatest joys were to be surrounded by family, friends and music. The world will be a smaller place without Eli. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Chris Irick officiating. Pallbearers will be Brett Compton, Chase Gilley, Chris Watson, Arten Charles, Jason Edwards, Nathan Oquinn, John Sutherland, Heath Sutherland and Nick Sutherland. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Rasnake, Eric Wallace, Eric Mondrage, Kenneth Branham, Jody Evans, Brett Dunlan, Michael Johnston, Gene Clemente, Brian Cook, Even McDonald, Gregory Aycock and Mike Wilson. Burial will follow in the Counts Family Cemetery, Big Ridge, Haysi, VA. The family will receive friends after 3:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Eli to the American Cancer Society, 230 Charwood Drive, NE, Abingdon, VA 24210. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. .