Born on September 25, 1960 in Burlington, NC, Michael Brent Sutton was a beloved son of Minnie Frances Branch and Benjamin Conrad Sutton. As a boy growing up in Murfreesboro, NC, he delighted with his mischievous antics and winning smile; and as a man, he was larger than lifeâ€"in stature, heart and spirit. He had an unforgettable ear-splitting belly laugh and an insatiably curious mind, and his bear hugs were second-to-none!

Michael passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2021, the result of a tragic automobile accident. That weekend had been a particularly happy one for him, however. On Saturday morning, his son Samuel, processed with his Class of 2020 classmates during commencement exercises (after a year's delay due to the pandemic) at Wake Forest University to "formally" receive their diplomas. Later that afternoon, he saw the Demon Deacons score a major victory on the gridiron, prevailing over Florida State. Best of all, Michael shared the joy of the weekend festivities with Samuel, Samuel's mother Shelly Chaudoir and her husband, Mike. It was truly one of the finest, most joyful days of his entire life.

Michael was a Dean's List graduate of Chowan College with an Associate in Arts degree in printing technology; and a Cum Laude graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Management. He held executive and sales positions with International Graphics, Vulcan Industries and Xerox. Most recently, Michael enjoyed living and working in Winston-Salem, where he was a sales associate at Lowe's Home Improvement and where, most importantly, he was able to watch his sonâ€"the unequivocal joy of his lifeâ€"thrive and grow into a fine young man at Wake Forest.

Michael is survived by his most beloved son Samuel Riley Sutton; his parents Minnie F. Branch and Ben Sutton, Sr.; his stepmother Valerie; and siblings and their families, Ben Sutton, Jr. (Sally, Addison, Trey); his brother Steve's wife, Anne (Kate, Allyson); David Branch Sutton; Sara Sutton Judy (Bob); and Lindsay Sutton Beavers (Derek, Madeline and Benjamin); and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents W. Conrad and Aileen Sutton and Douglas M. and Jessie W. Branch, as well as his beloved brother, Steven Douglas Sutton.

Please join us for a celebration of Michael's life at Apex United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. The church is located at 100 S. Hughes St., Apex, NC 27502.

In lieu of flowers, Samuel and the family request that memorial gifts be made in Michael's honor to the Spirit of the Old Gold and Black marching band at Wake Forest University Marching Band, 1834 Wake Forest Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27109.

Condolences may be made online at www.salemfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Sep. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Sutton

Sponsored by the family.

8 Entries

Litt Upshur

June 16, 2024

I worked with Mike at Xerox. We were hired at the same time, for a new division they had started. We became 'work' friends, and talked a lot over the months and those couple of years that I was there with him. I am stunned to learn that he has passed. I am, yet again, disappointed with myself, for not staying in touch with someone who had been such a great person to know and to work with. I remember vividly how involved he was with his son, Samuel. He hated every minute that he had to be somewhere other than where Samuel was.....that I remember quite well. His love for his son was something that really impressed me. I retired and left Xerox, and I think Mike agreed to move to Virginia, or somewhere around there, and we lost touch. I totally agree with the obituary that he had a great laugh, and a great, positive spirit. Nothing seemed to be able to stop him from achieving his goals. Even though we hadn't been close after work changed, I still would think of him and wonder how things were going, and just somehow knew he was making every day a good one. I wish I knew more people like Mike. I wish I were more like Mike. I am so, so sad that he is not here for the wonderful things that are to come in Samuel's life and in his own. And I will always remember him for his optimism and his friendship.

Jayne and Ken Wolfskill and Bill Hill

September 23, 2021

We have known the whole family for many years and loved them. The Sutton family lived right next door and we enjoyed them. Whether our time with you was at Chowan or home the friendship was genuine. Margaret and Billy Hill treasured the friendship. Peace.

Carol

September 23, 2021

Mike, I miss you. I miss your smile and sparkly eyes. You had the most incredible kind gentle soul. My prayers to your family. I hope they find strength in the memories they have with you. Rest in peace my friend, I'm so thankful to have known you. xoxo
xoxo

Garry Whitaker

September 22, 2021

My deepest sympathies and prayers for all the Sutton Family. With sadness but also hope in tomorrow my heart goes out to all the family.